Medgar Evers

Civil Rights Activist and Soldier

Medgar Evers - Civil Rights Activist and Soldier
Born

July 2nd, 1925
99 years ago

Died

June 12th, 1963
61 years ago — 37 years old

Category

Activists & Humanitarians

Country

United States

Links & References

Served in the United States Army during World War II. Became a prominent civil rights activist in Mississippi. Worked as the state’s first NAACP secretary, focusing on voter registration and desegregation. Organized boycotts and protests demanding equal rights for African Americans. Assassinated in 1963, his death catalyzed national attention for the civil rights movement.

Served in the U.S. Army during WWII

Promoted voter registration for African Americans

Led desegregation efforts in Mississippi

Assassinated in 1963, becoming a civil rights martyr

Other People Born on July 2nd

Gilbert Kalish

Pianist and educator, performed with major orchestras
Born
July 2nd, 1935 89 years ago

An accomplished American pianist and educator, contributed significantly to the music community. Served on the faculty at various esteemed institutions, imparting knowledge of piano performance and music theory. Collaborated with numerous orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. Actively participated in chamber music performances and festivals.

Continue Reading

Saweetie

Rapper and songwriter with 'Icy Grl'
Born
July 2nd, 1993 31 years ago

Arap artist gained prominence with the viral hit 'Icy Grl' in 2017. This track showcased her lyrical skill and unique style. Following this success, multiple singles, including 'My Type' and 'Tap In,' reached commercial success, solidifying a presence in the rap industry. The debut studio album 'Pretty B*tch Music' has been anticipated within the genre, contributing to her growing influence. Collaborations with various artists and appearances in popular media have established a significant foothold in contemporary music.

Continue Reading

Leonard J. Arrington

Author and historian of Mormonism
Born
July 2nd, 1917 107 years ago
Died
1999 26 years ago — 82 years old

An American author and academic focused on Mormon history, contributed significantly to the scholarly understanding of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Played a key role in founding the Mormon History Association, which aims to promote and disseminate research on Mormon history. Arrington's work emphasizes the importance of historical context in understanding the faith's development and influence. Published numerous books and articles on the subjects of Mormonism and its historical narratives, helping to shape the field of religious studies within American history.

Continue Reading

Imelda Marcos

Filipino politician; 10th First Lady
Born
July 2nd, 1929 95 years ago

Served as the First Lady of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986 during the presidency of husband Ferdinand Marcos. Oversaw significant cultural initiatives, including the establishment of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Known for lavish spending and numerous controversies surrounding the administration's wealth accumulation. Played a crucial role in political affairs and was influential in social and cultural policies. After the fall of the Marcos regime, faced numerous legal challenges and was implicated in corruption and abuse of power.

Continue Reading

Tim Rodber

Rugby player and England international
Born
July 2nd, 1969 55 years ago

A rugby player excelled in the back row position during a career spanning from the late 1980s to the late 1990s. Represented England in 33 test matches and participated in two Rugby World Cups in 1991 and 1995. Played club rugby primarily for Northampton Saints, contributing to the team's success during the 1990s. After retirement, engaged in coaching and commentary roles, sharing expertise in the sport.

Continue Reading

Maria

Queen of Sicily
Born
July 2nd, 1363 661 years ago
Died
1401 624 years ago — 38 years old

Born in 1363, held the title of Queen of Sicily during a tumultuous period marked by political strife and regional conflict. Her reign was characterized by efforts to stabilize the kingdom amidst external pressures and internal dissent. Inheriting the throne as a result of family alliances, managed crucial diplomatic relations and navigated the complex landscape of feudal politics. Her role was pivotal in the continuity of the Aragonese dynasty in Sicily, maintaining ties with both the crown of Aragon and other European powers.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on June 12th

Bulat Okudzhava

Russian singer-songwriter and poet
Born
May 9th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
June 12th, 1997 27 years ago — 73 years old

A prominent figure in the Soviet cultural scene, contributed to the genre of bard music, merging poetry and song. Authored numerous songs that reflected the struggles and aspirations of everyday life. Wrote poetry that was often critical of the socio-political climate. Gained recognition for performing in intimate settings, which challenged the state-controlled music industry. Associated with the underground arts movement, influencing future generations of performers and songwriters.

Continue Reading

Adolf I

Count of Nassau-Siegen
Born
1362 663 years ago
Died
June 12th, 1420 604 years ago — 58 years old

Ruled as Count of Nassau-Siegen during the early 15th century. His tenure was marked by territorial consolidation and political alliances in the region. Played a significant role in local nobility and contributed to the governance of his domains. The count participated in various military campaigns and negotiations that shaped the political landscape of the area.

Continue Reading

Adrianus Turnebus

French philologist and scholar
Born
1512 513 years ago
Died
June 12th, 1565 459 years ago — 53 years old

A prominent philologist and scholar. Contributed significantly to classical studies and the interpretation of ancient texts. Served as a professor of Greek and Latin at the Collège de France. Engaged in editing and commenting on classical works. Published multiple texts on a range of subjects including literature, linguistics, and rhetoric.

Continue Reading

Phil Bennett

Race car driver, British Touring Car Champion
Born
October 6th, 1971 53 years ago
Died
June 12th, 2022 2 years ago — 50 years old

An accomplished race car driver, achieved prominence in the British Touring Car Championship. Competed with various teams throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, earning a reputation for skillful handling of vehicles on challenging circuits. Secured the British Touring Car Championship title, demonstrating consistent performance and strategic racing techniques. Raced for teams such as Renault and Volvo, showcasing versatility across different racing categories. Retired from professional racing but remains active in motorsport commentary and analysis.

Continue Reading

Al-Zamakhshari

Persian scholar and theologian
Born
March 18th, 1075 949 years ago
Died
June 12th, 1144 880 years ago — 69 years old

A celebrated Persian scholar and theologian contributed significantly to Islamic scholarship. Was born in 1075 in what is now Uzbekistan. Provided a commentary on the Quran titled 'Al-Kitab al-Mufassal fi al-Nahw', which focused on Arabic grammar and linguistic analysis. Engaged in mutazilite thought, influencing theological discussions in the Islamic world. His works addressed grammar, rhetoric, and theology, making enduring contributions to the fields of linguistics and Islamic studies.

Continue Reading

Jerry West

Basketball player and executive Hall of Famer
Born
May 28th, 1938 86 years ago
Died
June 12th, 2024 0 years ago — 86 years old

An accomplished basketball player and executive, this individual played as a guard in the National Basketball Association (NBA) primarily for the Los Angeles Lakers. Renowned for his scoring ability and defensive skills, he earned the nickname 'Mr. Clutch' for his performance in critical moments. His career with the Lakers included winning the NBA Championship in 1972, where he was also named the Finals MVP despite his team winning the title. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into a successful career as a coach and executive, contributing to the Lakers' roster as a general manager and later with the Golden State Warriors. His blueprint for talent evaluation and team building earned him respect throughout the basketball community.

Continue Reading