Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Madam C.J. Walker, the developer of a beauty business that made her a self-made millionaire. Born Sarah Breedlove, her rags to riches story and community philanthropy has made her legacy both inspirational and memorable. Happy birthday, Madam Walker!  

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Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Thomas Sankara, the socialist revolutionary who served as the President of Burkina Faso! Often called the “African Che Guevara,” Sankara used his visionary leadership to turn Burkina Faso into a dynamo of progress. Happy birthday, Thomas! 

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Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Ady Barkan, an American lawyer and activist who has been called “the most powerful activist in America.” An organizer for the Center for Popular Democracy, Ady’s emotional and inspiring story was one that we had to celebrate. Happy birthday, Ady! 

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Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Margaret Mead, known as the mother of Anthropology! Margaret was an American anthropologist best known for her studies of the peoples of Oceania. She also commented on societal issues, such as gender roles and women’s rights, race relations, environmental pollution, and world hunger. Happy birthday, Margaret! 

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Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Ernie Davis, the first African-American recipient of the Heisman Trophy! Ernie gained fame after playing college football at Syracuse University, but despite his athletic ability, faced obstacles due to his race. Through all of the hurdles, Ernie paved the way for many playing football today! Happy birthday, Ernie

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Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Walter Knott, the American farmer who created the Knott’s Berry Farm amusement park! Living the American Dream, Walter’s farming business became such a hit that he expanded his small berry stand to eventually become the California amusement park we know today. Happy Birthday, Walter!

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Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Stacey Abrams! Stacey is an American politician, lawyer, voting rights activist, and author who served in the Georgie House of Representatives, and in 2018 founded Fair Fight Action to address voter suppression. A hugely influential democratic leader during the 2020 election, Stacey is fighting to create a Georgia where all eligible voters have their voices heard. Happy birthday, Stacey!

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Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Anna Maria “Marie” Tussaud, who founded the world-famous Madame Tussauds! Marie was a French artist, known for her incredible wax sculptures, which led her to open her own museum in London. Today, there are 25 museums bearing her name! Happy birthday, Marie!

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Today we’re celebrating Edith Cavell, a British nurse who saved dozens of British, French, and Belgian soldiers during the First World War, helping some 200 Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium. After being charged with treason, she was put to death, but her name continues as a martyr who died honestly and for a noble purpose. Happy Birthday, Edith!

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Today we’re celebrating Maria Callas, one of the most renowned and influential opera singers of the 20th century! Maria was an American-born Greek soprano, whose critics praised her bel canto technique, wide-ranging voice, and dramatic interpretations. Happy birthday, Maria!

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