Wat Misaka
Basketball player and pioneer in sports.
Born
December 21st, 1923
101 years ago
Died
2019
6 years ago — 96 years old
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
United States
Links & References
Played professional basketball in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a guard. Misaka became the first player of Asian descent to compete in the NBA, breaking barriers in a predominantly white league. He played for the New York Knicks during the 1947-48 season and later served in the U.S. Army, where he was a member of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. After his basketball career, Misaka worked in education and continued to advocate for equality in sports.
First player of Asian descent in the NBA
Played for the New York Knicks
Served in the U.S. Army
Other People Born on December 21st
Emiliano Brembilla
Competed in swimming and represented Italy in international competitions. Gained attention at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where participated in the men's 200-meter and 400-meter freestyle events. Achieved significant recognition for performances in the 2000 Summer Olympics and World Championships. Established a reputation in competitive swimming especially during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Continue ReadingKonstantin Rokossovsky
Born in 1896, a prominent military leader during World War II, served as a Marshal of the Soviet Union. Played a critical role in key battles such as the Siege of Stalingrad and the Battle of Kursk. Recognized for effective leadership and innovative strategies, which contributed to significant Soviet victories. After the war, held various positions in government and military, including defense minister in Poland. Received multiple awards for military service, contributing to his legacy in the Soviet Armed Forces.
Continue ReadingAndrás Schiff
Born in Hungary and later gaining British citizenship, this pianist and conductor achieved prominence in the classical music world. Early musical training took place in Budapest, followed by studies in London. Renowned for interpretations of Bach's works, significant contributions include performances of the Goldberg Variations and The Well-Tempered Clavier. Also recognized for conducting and collaborations with major orchestras worldwide, this individual has made recordings with prestigious labels and received several accolades.
Continue ReadingThomas Graham
Contributed significantly to the field of chemistry, particularly in the study of gas diffusion. Developed Graham's Law of Effusion, which describes the rates at which gases diffuse through different mediums. Conducted important experiments on the diffusion of gases, leading to a deeper understanding of molecular movement. Also served as a professor at University College London, influencing future generations of chemists through academic leadership.
Continue ReadingNatalie Grant
An American singer-songwriter recognized for contributions to the contemporary Christian music genre. Released several studio albums, including 'Awaken', 'Love Revolution', and 'Hurricane'. Achieved notable success at the GMA Dove Awards, earning multiple honors for Female Vocalist of the Year. Authored books addressing faith and personal struggles. In 2014, a song 'King of the World' garnered significant acclaim among Christian music listeners.
Continue ReadingSamuel L. Jackson
An American actor and producer, this individual gained fame in the 1990s and has since become one of the most recognizable actors in Hollywood. The role in 'Pulp Fiction' showcased his range and charisma, earning an Academy Award nomination. Collaborations with directors such as Quentin Tarantino and prominent roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, particularly as Nick Fury, solidified a prominent career. Additionally, this actor has appeared in a wide array of films spanning various genres, contributing to a lengthy filmography.
Continue Reading