What Happened This Year 1980

People Who Died in 1980

John Warren Davis

Civil Rights Leader and Educator
Born
February 11th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
July 12th, 1980 44 years ago — 92 years old

An American educator and college administrator, focused on advancing civil rights and educational opportunities for African Americans. Served as the president of the South Carolina State College and worked to promote higher education within the African American community. Contributed to the founding of several organizations aimed at improving civil rights and education. Engaged in public speaking and advocacy for social justice throughout the mid-20th century.

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Seretse Khama

Botswana's 1st President and lawyer
Born
July 1st, 1921 103 years ago
Died
July 13th, 1980 44 years ago — 59 years old

Served as the first President of Botswana from 1966 until 1980. Played a crucial role in the country's transition to independence from British rule. Educated in law at the University of Oxford, contributed to the legal and political foundation of Botswana. His presidency focused on national unity, economic development, and democratic governance.

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Carlos López Moctezuma

Mexican actor in classic films
Born
November 19th, 1909 115 years ago
Died
July 14th, 1980 44 years ago — 70 years old

Born in 1909, this actor became a significant figure in the Mexican cinema of the Golden Age. Regular collaborations with notable directors and participation in various iconic films characterized the career. Roles in films such as 'La mujer del puerto' and 'El rebozo de Soledad' highlighted talent and presence. The actor contributed to the cultural landscape through performances that showcased the artistry of the time. The career spanned several decades, concluding in 1980.

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Boris Delaunay

Mathematician known for Delaunay triangulation
Born
1890 135 years ago
Died
July 17th, 1980 44 years ago — 90 years old

Contributed significantly to mathematics, particularly in topology and computational geometry. Developed the Delaunay triangulation, a fundamental structure in geometry that maximizes the minimum angle of triangles. Published works on the properties of polyhedra and Voronoi diagrams. Held a professorship and contributed to the education of future mathematicians.

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Don "Red" Barry

American actor in B-Western films
Born
January 11th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
July 17th, 1980 44 years ago — 68 years old

Active in the film industry from the early 1940s, the individual starred in numerous B-Western films and became a prominent figure in the genre. Made a significant contribution as a producer and screenwriter alongside acting. Gained a reputation for performances in a series of films including 'The Lone Rider' series. Worked with a variety of studios and was involved in many production roles throughout a career spanning several decades.

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Hans Morgenthau

Political Scientist and Realist Theorist
Born
February 17th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
July 19th, 1980 44 years ago — 76 years old

A prominent political scientist and philosopher, contributions focused on political realism and international relations. Published influential works, including 'Politics Among Nations' which outlined core principles of realism. Served as a professor at various institutions, including the University of Chicago. Offered insights into power dynamics and the nature of international politics during the Cold War era.

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Nihat Erim

Turkish jurist, 13th Prime Minister
Born
1912 113 years ago
Died
July 19th, 1980 44 years ago — 68 years old

Served as the 13th Prime Minister of Turkey from 1971 to 1972. Contributed to various legal reforms and held significant political positions throughout career. Played a role in the 1980 Turkish coup d'état while being an influential figure in the Turkish legal system. Engaged with international law and served as a professor, imparting knowledge on legal matters in Turkey.

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Margaret Craven

Journalist and author of 'I Heard the Owl Call My Name'
Born
1901 124 years ago
Died
July 19th, 1980 44 years ago — 79 years old

An American journalist and author, contributed to literary and journalism fields with significant works. Best recognized for the novel 'I Heard the Owl Call My Name,' a poignant exploration of life and death through the experiences of a young priest in a Native American village. Also wrote a number of other novels and short stories, which reflected themes of nature and human relationships. Craven's work often emphasized the importance of cultural heritage and the struggles of indigenous communities. Continued to write until her passing in 1980.

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Maria Martinez

Native American potter and artist
Born
1887 138 years ago
Died
July 20th, 1980 44 years ago — 93 years old

An influential potter from San Ildefonso Pueblo, noteworthy for reviving traditional Pueblo pottery techniques. Gained prominence with distinctive black-on-black pottery, a technique that became widely celebrated. Collaborated with her husband, Julian, to create unique artistic works that revived and preserved cultural pottery traditions. Contributed significantly to the recognition of Native American art in the 20th century.

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