Pearl S. Buck
American novelist and Nobel Prize laureate
An American novelist and essayist, won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1938. Notable works include 'The Good Earth', which depicts the life of a Chinese farmer and his family, highlighting the struggles and resilience of rural life. Her writing often focused on the experiences of women and the influence of cultural backgrounds. In addition to novels, authored numerous essays and wrote children's literature. Advocated for cultural understanding and humanitarian causes, contributing to the founding of Welcome House, the first international, interracial adoption agency.
Won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1938
'The Good Earth' published in 1931
Other People Born on June 26th
Raymond Felton
Basketball player and NBA point guard
Born
June 26th, 1984 41 years ago
Played college basketball at the University of North Carolina, leading the team to a national championship in 2005. Selected 5th overall in the 2005 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Bobcats. Played for multiple teams including the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks over a 13-season NBA career. Established a reputation as a reliable point guard with solid playmaking skills. Participated in the 2014 NBA playoffs with the Knicks. Concluded professional career after the 2017 season.
Continue ReadingSan Pedro Claver
Spanish Jesuit saint and missionary
Born
June 26th, 1581 444 years ago
Died
1654 371 years ago — 73 years old
Born in 1581, a Spanish Jesuit missionary dedicated life to the service of enslaved people in the Americas. Deployed to Cartagena, Colombia, provided care and catechesis to thousands of Africans brought to the region. Established a reputation for compassion and advocacy for the rights of the enslaved, working tirelessly to alleviate their suffering. Canonized in 1888, he became the patron saint of enslaved people and mission workers.
Continue ReadingEdward Holyoke
American pastor and academic leader
Born
June 26th, 1689 336 years ago
Died
June 1st, 1769 256 years ago — 79 years old
Contributed significantly to early American education as a pastor and educator. Served as the President of Harvard College from 1737 to 1769. Held a prominent position in the academic community during the early 18th century, overseeing a notable period of institutional growth and development. Engaged in various educational reforms and maintained a focus on classical studies. Played a vital role in shaping the curriculum and academic policies of the college, influencing generations of students. Notable for promoting both religious and scholarly pursuits.
Continue ReadingJean-Pierre Roy
Baseball player and sportscaster
Born
June 26th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
November 1st, 2014 11 years ago — 94 years old
A Canadian-American baseball player, manager, and sportscaster, contributed significantly to baseball during the mid-20th century. Played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball for teams such as the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Phillies. Transitioned to managing and later became a prominent sportscaster, providing insights and commentary on baseball games for various networks. His career spanned several decades, influencing fans and players alike through both gameplay and broadcasting.
Continue ReadingOlive Morris
Civil Rights Activist in England
Born
June 26th, 1952 73 years ago
Died
July 12th, 1979 46 years ago — 27 years old
A prominent civil rights activist, focused on issues affecting the Black community in Britain during the 1970s. Played a key role in the establishment of the British Black Panthers and engaged in advocacy against racism, police violence, and social injustice. Actively participated in various protests and initiatives aimed at combating inequality, particularly in education and housing. Her activism laid the groundwork for subsequent generations of activists in the UK.
Continue ReadingPhilip Doddridge
English hymn-writer and educator
Born
June 26th, 1702 323 years ago
Died
October 26th, 1751 274 years ago — 49 years old
A prominent hymn-writer and educator in England, contributed significantly to 18th-century evangelicalism. Established a dissenting academy in Northampton, which became influential in training Nonconformist ministers. Authored several influential works, including 'The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul' and more than 400 hymns, many of which remain in use today. Advocacy for religious education had a lasting impact on Nonconformist thought.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 6th
Alvin Lee
Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
1944 81 years ago
Died
March 6th, 2013 12 years ago — 69 years old
Acclaimed as a pioneering figure in rock music, gained prominence as the lead guitarist and vocalist of the band Ten Years After. The band achieved widespread recognition with the hit performance at the Woodstock Festival in 1969, showcasing a blend of rock and blues. Lee's signature fast fingerpicking guitar style and notable improvisational skills contributed greatly to the band's success. Later pursued a solo career that included various musical projects and collaborations, continuing to influence guitarists and music enthusiasts.
Continue ReadingBetty Millard
Philanthropist and community activist
Born
1911 114 years ago
Died
March 6th, 2010 15 years ago — 99 years old
A philanthropist focused on improving community welfare through charitable efforts. Established multiple initiatives aimed at supporting education and healthcare accessibility. Worked with various nonprofit organizations to address social issues and promote volunteerism in local communities. Advocated for the rights of marginalized groups and engaged in efforts to enhance civic participation. Contributed to community development projects that improved living conditions for residents in need.
Continue ReadingPeter Nicholls
Science fiction critic and encyclopedist
Born
1939 86 years ago
Died
March 6th, 2018 7 years ago — 79 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of science fiction literature as a critic and encyclopedist. Authored the 'Encyclopedia of Science Fiction', which became a seminal work for the genre, providing comprehensive entries on authors, themes, and trends. Edited the 'Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America' Bulletin, offering insights into the development of science fiction. Promoted the genre through reviews and essays in various literary publications. Engaged with the science fiction community globally, participating in conventions and discussions.
Continue ReadingW. Wallace Cleland
Biochemist and academic focused on enzymes
Born
1930 95 years ago
Died
March 6th, 2013 12 years ago — 83 years old
Made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry, particularly in the study of enzymes. Conducted extensive research on enzyme mechanisms and kinetics. Held faculty positions at prestigious universities, guiding numerous students and researchers in biochemical studies. Published numerous scientific papers that advanced the understanding of biochemical processes.
Continue ReadingManlio Sgalambro
Italian philosopher and poet
Born
1924 101 years ago
Died
March 6th, 2014 11 years ago — 90 years old
An Italian philosopher, author, and poet, contributed significantly to contemporary philosophical discourse. Engaged in a wide range of subjects including logic, aesthetics, and metaphysics. Worked closely with Italian television and literature, providing insightful commentary on cultural and philosophical themes. Authored several texts that explored the intersections of thought and creativity, reflecting on the nature of existence and the human experience. Held a unique position in modern Italian intellectual life, influencing both peers and audiences alike.
Continue ReadingMairéad Farrell
Provisional IRA volunteer
Born
1957 68 years ago
Died
March 6th, 1988 37 years ago — 31 years old
Affiliated with the Provisional Irish Republican Army, involved in the Irish republican movement. Participated in significant operations and was a vocal advocate for the cause of Irish nationalism. Died in an armed confrontation with British security forces during an operation in Gibraltar.
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