The NameDay Project

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Frederick Law Olmsted, the ‘Father of American Landscape Architecture’! Frederick was an American landscape architect, journalist, and social critic, best known for his development of Central Park in New York City. Throughout his career, he worked on more than 500 public parks and universities. Happy birthday, Frederick! 

If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Roy Orbison, the American singer and songwriter, known for his complex song structure, incredible singing, and emotional ballads! Sometimes called “the Caruso of Rock,” Roy was known for his signature look of dark sunglasses and black clothes but was one of the nicest and most talented people in the industry. Happy birthday, Roy! 

 If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of John Muir, the Scottish-American environmentalist and naturalist known for his dedication to preserving wildlife! Sometimes called the “Father of National Parks,” John’s activism helped create many of the National Parks in America, preserving the land for generations to come. He was also the founder of the prominent organization, the Sierra Club. Happy birthday, John! 

If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Kim Bok-dong, a human rights activist who raised awareness of the truth regarding “comfort women” during the Second World War. Kim was among many women who was forced into sex-slavery by the Japanese, and would later become a human rights activist and a hero to many who were forced to be “comfort women.” She is the definition of resilience, and we are happy to celebrate her life - happy birthday Kim! 

If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, the singer and songwriter known as the “Queen of Tejano” music! Selena’s contributions to music and fashion made her one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers, and her legacy has left an impact to this day. Happy birthday, Selena!

 We're also celebrating our 100th episode, so listen until the end for a special celebration! 

If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Anne Sullivan, an American teacher best known for instructing Helen Keller! Often overlooked, Anne began teaching Helen how to read and write, while struggling with her own partial blindness. Her teaching and instruction of Helen led to a lifelong companionship. Happy birthday, Anne! 

If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Willi Ninja, an American dancer and choreographer known for his style of dance called “vogueing” and for developing the House of Ninja! After making a name for himself in the New York LGBTQ community, Ninja rose to prominence due to his role in the documentary “Paris is Burning” allowing him to influence both the fashion and music scene. Happy birthday, Ninja! 

If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Gregory Goodwin Pincus, the inventor of the contraceptive pill! While today women have many options for contraception, “Goody” was an American biologist and researcher who co-invented the first contraceptive pill. Happy birthday, Goody! 

If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Billie Holiday, the American jazz and swing musician known for her innovative influence on jazz music and pop singing! Born Eleanora Fagan, her tragic life led to her becoming one of the most legendary jazz vocalists, famous for her emotive and melancholy way of singing. Happy birthday, Billie! 

If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Booker T. Washington, an American educator and author who became a dominant figure in African American education! One of the last generations of Black American leaders born into slavery, Booker became a prominent figure in the African American community and was a leading voice of the formal slaves and their descendants. Happy birthday, Booker!

If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]