Robert Robinson Taylor

Architect and educator; Tuskegee Institute

Robert Robinson Taylor - Architect and educator; Tuskegee Institute
Born

June 8th, 1868
157 years ago

Died

December 13th, 1942
82 years ago — 74 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United States

Links & References

An influential architect and educator contributed significantly to architectural education. Served as the first black graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1892. Played a pivotal role at Tuskegee Institute, where he established an architecture program. Designed several buildings on the Tuskegee campus, including the landmark chapel and other significant structures that showcased a unique blend of African American culture and architectural style. Advocated for the inclusion of black architects in the professional field during a time of racial discrimination.

First black graduate of MIT

Established architecture program at Tuskegee Institute

Designed buildings at Tuskegee including the chapel

Other People Born on June 8th

Liv Morgan

Professional wrestler and WWE superstar
Born
June 8th, 1994 31 years ago

Professional wrestler began career in WWE and has competed in various high-profile matches. Achieved significant recognition as a performer in the women's division. Participated in events such as WrestleMania and Money in the Bank. Developed a strong fan following due to engaging personality and in-ring abilities.

Continue Reading

Emanuel Ax

Pianist and educator with Grammy Awards
Born
June 8th, 1949 76 years ago

Born in Poland and later moving to the United States, a renowned pianist and educator has had a distinguished career in classical music. The individual gained acclaim for performances of works by composers such as Beethoven and Brahms. Collaboration with notable orchestras and musicians, including the New York Philharmonic and Itzhak Perlman, has characterized the career. The pianist has received multiple Grammy Awards for recordings, showcasing exceptional talent and artistry in performances. In addition to performing, the individual has dedicated time to educating the next generation of musicians, teaching at esteemed institutions.

Continue Reading

Luigi Comencini

Italian director and producer of films
Born
June 8th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
April 6th, 2007 18 years ago — 90 years old

Renowned for contributions to Italian cinema, significant works included 'Bread and Chocolate,' which highlighted themes of class struggle and immigrant experiences. Directed numerous films influential in depicting societal issues, including 'Incompreso' and 'La bella estate.' Works often blended realism with a sense of humor, reflecting on everyday life. Additionally produced and wrote for television, expanding influence in the industry.

Continue Reading

James Darren

Actor known for 'Gidget' and 'T.J. Hooker'
Born
June 8th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
September 2nd, 2024 1 years ago — 88 years old

An American actor and singer, gained prominence during the 1950s and 1960s. Starred in the television series 'Gidget' as Moondoggie and later portrayed Lieutenant Jim Corrigan in the series 'T.J. Hooker'. Achieved success in music with hits such as 'Goodbye Cruel World'. Also appeared in films like 'The Guns of Navarone' and 'The Golden Spoon'. In addition to acting, Darren has enjoyed a career in music, releasing albums that resonate with his film and television audiences.

Continue Reading

John Q. A. Brackett

Lawyer and 36th Governor of Massachusetts
Born
June 8th, 1842 183 years ago
Died
1918 107 years ago — 76 years old

Served as the 36th Governor of Massachusetts from 1883 to 1884. Brackett's tenure emphasized education reform and support for infrastructure improvement projects. Prior to his governorship, held multiple legal and elected positions, contributing significantly to state governance and law. Engaged in legal practice for many years, influencing Massachusetts law and policy.

Continue Reading

George Charles Haité

English painter and illustrator
Born
June 8th, 1855 170 years ago
Died
March 31st, 1924 101 years ago — 68 years old

Active during the 19th and early 20th centuries, this individual specialized in landscape painting and illustration. His work predominantly featured scenes of rural England, often showcasing the beauty of nature and countryside. In addition to landscapes, he illustrated books and contributed to the genre of children's literature. The artist's paintings were exhibited in prestigious galleries, and his illustrations captured the imagination of readers, particularly in the context of Victorian publications.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 13th

Samuel Gompers

Labor leader and founder of the AFL
Born
January 27th, 1850 175 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1924 100 years ago — 74 years old

Born in England, a labor leader emigrated to the United States where he played a significant role in the labor movement. Established the American Federation of Labor (AFL), advocating for workers' rights and better working conditions. Served as the AFL's first president, a position held for almost four decades. Focused on trade unionism and collective bargaining, promoting efforts for labor legislation.

Continue Reading

Alexander Selkirk

Scottish sailor and castaway
Born
1676 349 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1721 303 years ago — 45 years old

A Scottish sailor, notable for being marooned on a deserted island in the South Pacific for four years. This experience served as the inspiration for Daniel Defoe's novel 'Robinson Crusoe.' Selkirk's tale reflects survival skills and challenges encountered during isolation. After being rescued, Selkirk returned to England, where he recounted his adventures. The story of his life prompted discussions on solitude, adventure, and human resilience, influencing literature and explorations.

Continue Reading

Victor Grignard

Chemist, Nobel Prize laureate, Grignard reagent
Born
May 6th, 1871 154 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1935 89 years ago — 64 years old

An influential chemist, contributions to organometallic chemistry include the development of Grignard reagents. These reagents became fundamental in organic synthesis, enabling the formation of carbon-carbon bonds. Grignard served as a professor at the University of Lyon and received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1912 for his research. His work laid the groundwork for advancements in both industrial applications and academic research in chemistry.

Continue Reading

Alan Thicke

Television actor and theme music composer
Born
March 1st, 1947 78 years ago
Died
December 13th, 2016 8 years ago — 69 years old

Born in Canada, an actor contributed significantly to television during the 1980s and 1990s. Starred as Jason Seaver in the popular sitcom 'Growing Pains,' which aired from 1985 to 1992. Also gained recognition for composing theme music for various television shows, including the iconic theme for 'The Different Strokes.' Pursued a career in both acting and music, becoming a familiar face on American television. Later appeared in reality television projects and talk shows, maintaining a presence in the entertainment industry until his passing.

Continue Reading

Behçet Necatigil

Turkish poet and translator
Born
April 16th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1979 45 years ago — 63 years old

An influential Turkish poet and translator, this individual made significant contributions to Turkish literature during the 20th century. Educational background included studying at Istanbul University in the Faculty of Literature. The poetry collection 'The Place to Go' garnered attention for its unique style and themes. Later, other major works included 'A Yearning for Memory', blending modernist influences with traditional Turkish forms. Additionally, this individual translated notable works from various languages into Turkish, enriching the literary landscape of the country.

Continue Reading

Pehr Wilhelm Wargentin

Swedish astronomer and demographer
Born
1717 308 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1783 241 years ago — 66 years old

Contributed to the field of astronomy and demography in Sweden during the 18th century. Served as the first director of the Stockholm Observatory, where significant observations of celestial phenomena were conducted. Engaged in the statistical analysis of population data, advancing the understanding of demographic information in Sweden. Published works that provided foundational knowledge in these fields, influencing future studies.

Continue Reading