Vincent Harding
Historian and civil rights scholar
Born
1931
94 years ago
Died
Category
Thinkers & Philosophers
Country
United States
Links & References
Contributed significantly to the fields of history and religion, focusing on the civil rights movement and African American studies. Played a key role in developing educational curricula that highlighted the contributions of black Americans. Served as a professor at several institutions, including the Iliff School of Theology. Founded the Institute of the Black World's first national conference in 1970, which addressed the challenges of black culture and religion in America.
Authored 'There Is a River: The Black Struggle for Freedom in America'
Contributed to the formation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Co-founded the Black Academy of Arts and Letters
Other People Who Died on May 19th
Bob Boozer
Basketball player with Chicago Bulls
Born
1937 88 years ago
Died
May 19th, 2012 13 years ago — 75 years old
An accomplished basketball player, played for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA. Received two All-Star selections during a professional career that spanned from 1960 to 1972. Played college basketball at the University of Wyoming before being selected in the draft. Contributed to team success and individual accolades throughout career, establishing a reputation as a strong forward.
Continue ReadingVijay Tendulkar
Playwright and screenwriter, Ghashiram Kotwal
Born
1928 97 years ago
Died
May 19th, 2008 17 years ago — 80 years old
A prominent Indian playwright and screenwriter, contributed significantly to Indian theatre through impactful works. Ghashiram Kotwal, written in 1972, critiqued social injustices and was pivotal in shaping modern Marathi theatre. Wrote over fifteen plays, several screenplays, and essays focusing on social issues. Served as a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, engaging in political discourse through literary works. Believed in exploring the complexities of human relationships and societal dynamics.
Continue ReadingWilliam Ewart Gladstone
British Prime Minister and statesman
Born
December 29th, 1809 215 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1898 127 years ago — 88 years old
A significant figure in British politics, served as Prime Minister four times during the late 19th century. Played a major role in the expansion of the British welfare state and introduced several key reforms in education and social policy. Represented the Liberal Party and was a prominent advocate for Irish Home Rule. Influenced economic policies and established various social reforms through budgetary changes and taxation adjustments. His leadership and policies shaped modern British governance.
Continue ReadingBernard Blaut
Polish footballer and coach
Born
January 3rd, 1940 85 years ago
Died
May 19th, 2007 18 years ago — 67 years old
A footballer and coach from Poland, played primarily as a midfielder. Had a significant playing career, notably with Górnik Zabrze, where he contributed to the team winning multiple Polish championships. Transitioned from player to coach after retiring, taking on various roles within Polish football development. Involved in coaching youth teams and contributing to local football clubs, focusing on nurturing new talent in the sport.
Continue ReadingRobert F. Furchgott
Biochemist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
June 4th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
May 19th, 2009 16 years ago — 92 years old
Born in 1916, achievements include significant contributions to the understanding of nitric oxide as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system. Work focused on pharmacology and biochemistry, with research uncovering the role of endothelium-derived relaxing factor. Authored numerous scientific publications and demonstrated the importance of nitric oxide in regulating blood pressure and blood flow. Received a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1998 alongside two colleagues for discoveries related to nitric oxide's effects on the cardiovascular system.
Continue ReadingRobert S. Wistrich
Historian and author on Jewish history
Born
1945 80 years ago
Died
May 19th, 2015 10 years ago — 70 years old
An English historian and academic specialized in Jewish history, with a focus on anti-Semitism. Wistrich spent significant years at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where contribution to the understanding of Jewish identity and anti-Jewish sentiment gained recognition. Authored several influential works, including 'Antisemitism: The Longest Hatred' and 'A Lethal Obsession: Anti-Semitism from Antiquity to the Present'. Also contributed to debates on modern Jewish history and provided insights into the social, political, and historical contexts of anti-Semitic thought throughout the ages.
Continue Reading