Thomas Sankara
Burkinabé politician and revolutionary leader
Served as the 5th President of Burkina Faso from 1983 until 1987. Sankara implemented sweeping reforms aimed at combating corruption, improving education, and enhancing public health. Focused on self-sufficiency, he promoted agricultural development and women's rights. His government nationalized land, mineral resources, and initiated a range of social programs, making significant strides in literacy and healthcare during his tenure. His policies and leadership style inspired other revolutionary movements across Africa.
Led the popular uprising in Burkina Faso in 1983
Implemented extensive social and economic reforms
Changed the country's name from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso
Other People Born on December 21st
Peter Mohyla
Ruthenian Orthodox metropolitan and saint
Born
December 21st, 1596 429 years ago
Died
1646 380 years ago — 50 years old
Born in 1596, a significant figure in the Ruthenian Orthodox Church. Played a pivotal role in the establishment of educational institutions, including the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. Focused on church reforms and the promotion of Orthodox Christianity in Eastern Europe. Engaged in theological debates and advocated for the unification of Orthodox and Catholic churches during a time of political turmoil. Passed away in 1647 and recognized as a saint in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
Continue ReadingJosh Gibson
Baseball player with Negro League standout
Born
December 21st, 1911 114 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1947 79 years ago — 35 years old
Played as a catcher for the Homestead Grays and the Pittsburgh Crawfords. Regarded as one of the greatest power hitters in baseball history during the Negro Leagues. Recorded an estimated 800 home runs over his career, though official statistics remain incomplete due to the era in which he played. Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972, recognizing his contributions to the sport and excellence on the field. Played in several All-Star games, showcasing talent that transcended barriers in the sport.
Continue ReadingMadelyn Cline
Actress known for 'Outer Banks'
Born
December 21st, 1997 28 years ago
Born in December 1997, this American actress gained recognition for her role as Sarah Cameron in the Netflix series 'Outer Banks'. The series premiered in 2020 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, earning a dedicated fan base. In addition to acting, she has worked as a model and appeared in advertising campaigns, showcasing her versatility in the entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingJan Łukasiewicz
Polish mathematician and philosopher
Born
December 21st, 1878 147 years ago
Died
February 13th, 1956 69 years ago — 77 years old
Contributed significantly to mathematical logic and philosophy, particularly in propositional calculus. Developed the Polish notation, a mathematical notation in which operators precede their operands. Wrote extensively on the foundations of logic, the history of logic, and related philosophical topics. Held academic positions in various institutions, including University of Warsaw.
Continue ReadingGustave Kahn
French poet and literary critic
Born
December 21st, 1859 166 years ago
Died
September 5th, 1936 89 years ago — 76 years old
Born in 1859, this individual contributed significantly to French poetry and literary criticism. Active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, worked with the Symbolist movement and played a critical role in the evolution of modern poetry. Editored important literary reviews and published various poetry collections. Engaged in promoting the works of contemporary poets and critics, influencing the literary landscape of the time.
Continue ReadingDonald Regan
Colonel and 11th White House Chief of Staff
Born
December 21st, 1918 107 years ago
Died
June 10th, 2003 22 years ago — 84 years old
Served as the 11th White House Chief of Staff from 1985 to 1987 under President Ronald Reagan. Before assuming this role, held various positions in the U.S. government, including Secretary of the Treasury from 1981 to 1985. Played a significant role in economic policy and management during a pivotal period for the Reagan administration. His tenure included efforts related to tax reform and economic recovery. Additionally, served as a colonel in the United States Marine Corps.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 15th
Vincent Canby
Film critic and historian for The New York Times
Born
July 27th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
October 15th, 2000 25 years ago — 76 years old
Served as a film critic for The New York Times from 1969 to 1993. Critiqued over a thousand films during tenure, establishing a prominent voice in American cinema journalism. Authored several books on film history, including 'The New York Times Film Guide' and 'The Film Directors'. Influenced generations of film lovers and critics through writings, including retrospective analyses of filmmakers and trends. Received the prestigious George Jean Nathan Award for Dramatic Criticism.
Continue ReadingLluís Companys
Catalan politician and lawyer
Born
June 21st, 1882 143 years ago
Died
October 15th, 1940 85 years ago — 58 years old
A prominent Catalan lawyer and politician, served as the 123rd President of Catalonia from 1934 until his arrest in 1940. Played a significant role in Catalonia's push for autonomy during the Spanish Civil War. Advocated for the rights and status of Catalonia within Spain. Captured by the Nazis in France and extradited to Spain, was executed in 1940.
Continue ReadingSarah Kofman
French philosopher and academic
Born
September 14th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
October 15th, 1994 31 years ago — 60 years old
Contributed significantly to fields of philosophy and literature. Authored several influential works on feminism, psychoanalysis, and ethics. Explored themes of identity, trauma, and the human experience in writings. Served as a professor at the University of Paris, shaping future generations of thinkers.
Continue ReadingHans Riegel
German businessman and candy entrepreneur
Born
1923 103 years ago
Died
October 15th, 2013 12 years ago — 90 years old
Founded a global confectionery company, famous for producing gummy bears. Established the brand Haribo in 1920, which became synonymous with gelatin-based candies. Expanded production capabilities, leading to global distribution of sweets. The company's products have been sold in over 100 countries, with gummy bears being its hallmark product. Riegel's focus on quality and innovation helped establish a legacy in the candy industry.
Continue ReadingAlfred Moore
American lawyer and judge
Born
May 21st, 1755 270 years ago
Died
October 15th, 1810 215 years ago — 55 years old
Served as a prominent lawyer and judge during the late 18th century in America. Appointed as a justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, contributing to the legal framework of the state. Actively participated in the American Revolutionary War, serving in the militia. His legal career included significant contributions to the development of law in North Carolina after independence.
Continue ReadingMikhail Lavrentyev
Russian mathematician and hydrodynamicist
Born
November 19th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
October 15th, 1980 45 years ago — 79 years old
A mathematician and hydrodynamicist contributed significantly to the field of applied mathematics. Established the Siberian Branch of the Academy of Sciences in 1957, facilitating research in mathematical sciences. Developed research focused on boundary layer theory and turbulence. Authored several influential works and supervised many doctoral students, shaping future research in mathematics and fluid mechanics.
Continue Reading