Ama Ata Aidoo, poet, novelist, playwright, academic, and public servant, was born on this day in 1942 in Saltpond, Ghana. A lifelong fighter for women’s rights, Ms. Aidoo is an award-winning writer who grew up amidst the anti-colonial struggles in the then Gold Coast where Kwame Nkrumah was leading the struggle. Her father stressed education, even in those days, and it became her life, graduating from the University of Ghana. Her play, The Dilemma of a Ghost, made her the first African woman dramatist in 1964. She has taught at many universities all over the world, including the United States, Britain, Germany, and Zimbabwe. In 2000, she established Mbaasem Foundation, promoting the works of African Women Writers.
Kyrie Andrew Irving, professional basketball player, was born on this day in 1992 in Melbourne Australia.
Barrington Irving is a Jamaican born American who set a record on this day in 2007 as the youngest person to circumnavigate the world solo.
Walter Anthony Rodney, historian, political activist, and professor was born on this day in 1942 in Georgetown, Guyana.
Walter Edward Fauntroy is a pastor, civil rights leader, politician, and pan-Africanist who made history on this day in 1971 when he was sworn in as delegate to represent Washington, DC in the US House of Representatives.
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