Tom Cotton
American politician and U.S. Senator
Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2015, a member of the Republican Party. Served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2013 to 2015. Previously served in the U.S. Army, deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. Attended Harvard Law School and graduated with honors. Advocated for national security and fiscal responsibility throughout congressional tenure.
Served on the Senate Armed Services Committee
Authored the 2015 letter to Iran leaders regarding nuclear negotiations
Voted on various key legislation related to defense and immigration
Other People Born on May 13th
William R. Tolbert Jr.
Liberian politician and president
Born
May 13th, 1913 113 years ago
Died
April 12th, 1980 46 years ago — 66 years old
Served as the 20th President of Liberia from 1971 until his assassination in 1980. Focused on agricultural reform and education during presidency. Attempted to improve relations with the United States and sought to attract foreign investment to Liberia. His administration faced criticisms regarding human rights and freedom of expression, eventually leading to political unrest. Overthrown in a military coup, which marked a significant turning point in Liberian history.
Continue ReadingJim Jones
Cult leader, founded Peoples Temple
Born
May 13th, 1931 95 years ago
Died
November 18th, 1978 47 years ago — 47 years old
Founded the Peoples Temple in the 1950s, promoting a mix of socialism and religion. Jones gained a following in California before moving the congregation to Guyana, establishing Jonestown. The settlement became infamous for the mass murder-suicide that occurred on November 18, 1978, leading to the deaths of over 900 people, including children. Prior to the tragedy, Jones was involved in various political activities and claimed to advocate for civil rights.
Continue ReadingOtl Aicher
Graphic designer, typographer, and entrepreneur
Born
May 13th, 1922 104 years ago
Died
September 1st, 1991 34 years ago — 69 years old
A prominent graphic designer and typographer, made significant contributions to visual communication and design. Co-founded the renowned design agency, Hochschule für Gestaltung, in Ulm, which became a key institution in post-war design education. Developed the iconic visual identity for the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, establishing a modern aesthetic in sports branding. Aicher emphasized clarity and functionality in design, influencing numerous projects in both corporate and public sectors. His work encompassed corporate identities, typefaces, and signage systems, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of graphic design.
Continue ReadingRonald Ross
Physician who discovered malaria's vector
Born
May 13th, 1857 169 years ago
Died
September 16th, 1932 93 years ago — 75 years old
A physician and mathematician emerged as a prominent figure in the study of malaria. Conducted groundbreaking research on mosquito-borne diseases while working in India. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1902 for discovering the life cycle of the malaria parasite within Anopheles mosquitoes. The work laid the foundation for malaria control and prevention methods, significantly influencing public health efforts worldwide. His contributions extended to various aspects of disease transmission and vector control, marking a milestone in the understanding of infectious diseases.
Continue ReadingHarry Schwarz
Anti-apartheid diplomat and lawyer
Born
May 13th, 1924 102 years ago
Died
February 5th, 2010 16 years ago — 85 years old
A prominent lawyer and anti-apartheid leader, played a significant role in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. Served as the 13th South African Ambassador to the United States, contributing to diplomatic efforts during a pivotal period in South African history. Engaged in legal practices and advocacy aimed at dismantling apartheid legislation and promoting human rights. Also involved in various civil society organizations that worked toward equality and justice.
Continue ReadingGeorgios Papanikolaou
Pathologist, invented the Pap smear
Born
May 13th, 1883 143 years ago
Died
February 19th, 1962 64 years ago — 78 years old
A Greek-American pathologist contributed significantly to cancer screening techniques through the invention of the Pap smear, a revolutionary method for detecting cervical cancer. After receiving his medical degree from the University of Athens, Papanikolaou emigrated to the United States, where he started working at New York Hospital. The Pap smear was introduced in 1943 and became a standard procedure in gynecological examinations, significantly reducing cervical cancer mortality rates. Throughout his career, he conducted extensive research on reproductive biology and the cellular changes associated with cancer.
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