The NameDay Project

Today we're wrapping up season two by reminiscing on some of our favorite episodes! We can't believe we're nearing 150 episodes, and we can't wait to do more!We will be taking a three-week break, but until we come back, please share and subscribe! We're absolutely binge-able, so make sure to go back and listen to some of those episodes you may have missed. If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of Sir Alexander Fleming, the Scottish scientist known for the discovery of penicillin, the first effective antibiotic substance! After years of research, Alexander's discovery led to him being awarded the Nobel Prize, and is described as “the single greatest victory ever achieved over disease.” Happy birthday, Alexander!If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of James Baldwin, an American novelist, playwright, essayist, and activist whose works are considered part of mid-twentieth century American canon! Growing up in Harlem and overcoming the hurdles of being a black man in America, Baldwin's works explore racism, sexuality, and class distinction. Happy birthday, James!If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of Anita Hill, an American lawyer who became a notable figure by shedding light on sexual harassment in the workplace. By exposing Clarence Thomas, and bravely sitting through contentious Senate committee hearings, she raised awareness of the pervasive nature of workplace harassment and paved the way for more women to fight against it. Happy birthday, Anita! If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of the Micki J. King, and American Olympic diver who won the Gold in the 1972 Summer Olympics! A dominant figure in women's sports, Micki paved the way for women not only in Olympic sports, but also ensured women had a place in military academies after spending her career in the Air Force. Happy birthday, Micki! If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of the Karl Menninger, an American psychiatrist who pioneered psychiatric treatment during the 20th Century, and tried to break the stigma surrounding mental health! An advocate for social issues, Karl is known for founding the Menninger Clinic and Foundation in order to treat “the person as a whole.” Today, the Foundation is one of the leading research facilities for mental illness. Happy birthday, Karl!If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of the Connie Kurtz, an LGBTQ activist who is known or her successful lawsuit against New York's Board of Education in order to gain benefits for same-sex domestic partners! After coming out later in life, and marrying her best friend Ruth, Connie spent her life being a pioneer for equal rights for the LGBTQ community. Happy birthday, Connie! If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of the Ida B. Wells, an American journalist, educator, and early civil rights leader! Throughout her life, she continued to be knocked down, but she persevered, advocating for civil rights, women's rights, and suffrage. Happy birthday, Ida!If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of the Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist known for her commitment to girls education! After an assassination attempt, Malala has continued to speak up for women's rights, and at the age of 17 was the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Happy birthday, Malala!If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of the Paul Seiko Chihara, an award winning American-Japanese composer! Paul's work and style, drawing from his difficult childhood in a Japanese internment camp, is full of rich tradition and reflects the influence from his Asian heritage. Happy birthday, Paul! If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of the Dalai Lama, the highest spiritual leader of Tibet! Believed to be reincarnated, the Dalai Lama is known for spreading the message of peace and non-violence, all while advocating for the freedom of tibet while in exile. Happy birthday! If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of Sylvia Rivera, an American gay and transgender rights advocate! A veteran of the Stonewall Inn uprising, Sylvia worked tirelessly for the marginalized community and for those disregarded by the larger movement. Happy birthday, Sylvia! If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of Mel Brooks, an American comedian and filmmaker who has brought smiles to so many faces with his TV shows, movies, and Broadway shows! Beginning his career writing for variety shows, Mel went on to create beloved shows like Get Smart, and movies like The Producers and Blazing Saddles. Happy birthday, Mel! If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of Sonia Sotomayor, the first woman of color to serve as a United States Supreme Court Justice! Growing up in the Bronx, Sonia's determination and intelligence led her to the highest seat in our Judicial system, becoming the first Hispanic and Latina member of the Court. Happy birthday, Sonia!If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of Margaret Bourke-White, an American photographer who pioneered photojournalism! Known for many “firsts,” Maggie's courage helped her document some of the most important moments in the first half of the 20th Century, allowing her legacy to live through her work. Happy birthday, Maggie!If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of Vince Lombardi, the legendary American football coach best known for coaching the Green Bay Packers! Vince not only led the Packers to multiple winning seasons, but he created a non-discrimination policy that stood out amongst other teams at the time, leaving a progressive legacy. Happy birthday, Vince! If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of David C. Driskell, an American artist, scholar, and curator recognized for establishing Black Art as a distinct field of study! Known for his landmark LACMA exhibition featuring black art and artists, David was pivotal in bringing recognition to the historical importance of African American art. Happy birthday, David!If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader and anti-corruption activist who has become known for his courage and fearlessness! Navalny came to international prominence by organizing demonstrations against Putin's government and against corruption in Russia, which has garnered retaliation against him by the Russian government. His love for country and courageous actions are worth celebrating today. Happy birthday, Alexei! If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of Chien-Shiung Wu, a Chinese-American physicist whose notable work contributed to the fields of nuclear and particle physics! Known as “The First Lady of Physics,” Wu faced gender discrimination throughout her entire career, but persevered and became a legend in the physics world. Happy birthday, Wu!If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of Jim Thorpe, an American athlete and Olympic gold medalist, who became the first Native American to win gold for the United States! One of the most underrated athletes, and possibly one of the greatest, Jim had to battle with racism and ignorance throughout his whole life. His legacy is an inspiration! Happy birthday, Jim!If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of Patti LaBelle, the iconic American singer and songwriter whose career has spanned over seven decades! Known as the “Godmother of Soul,” Patti has incorporated her background of gospel singing with rock and roll, R&B, and pop, and is known for her powerful vocals. Happy birthday, Patti! If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of Andrei Sakharov, a Soviet nuclear physicist who became an activist for peace and human rights! Andrei was one of the primary developers of the hydrogen bomb for the USSR, but eventually came to be one of the leading dissidents and an activist for disarmament and peace between nations. Happy birthday, Andrei!If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of Edward Jenner, the man behind the vaccine! Edward developed the smallpox vaccine, which became the first vaccine in the world and helped drop the amount dying from the disease. Although vaccines have come a long way since Edward's time, we have so much to celebrate and thank him for. Happy birthday, Edward! If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of Magnus Hirschfeld, a pioneer in advocacy for homosexual and transgender rights! Magnus was a German physician or specialized in sexuality, and spent his left trying to rid the existing stigma around sexual minorities, paving the path for LGBTQ rights today. Happy birthday, Magnus! If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

 Today we're celebrating the birthday of Thomas Lipton, the founder and creator of the famous Lipton Tea! In a true rags to riches story, Thomas created a legacy that focused on giving the working class fresh tea. Despite his success, he never forgot his background, and used his status to give back to the community. Happy birthday, Thomas!  If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of Eva Perón, the First Lady of Argentina! Born into poverty, Evita rose to popularity through her radio work, before becoming the First Lady, know still for her compassion and outreach for the working class across Argentina. Happy birthday, Eva! If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of Nellie Bly, one of the groundbreaking women in journalism! Born Elizabeth Cochran, Nellie started what we know today as investigative journalism, going undercover for many of her stories, and creating a path for women in journalism today. Happy birthday, Nellie! If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of Golda Meir, the fourth Prime Minister of Israel! Sometimes known as the “Iron Lady” of Israel, Golda was an incredibly strong woman who broke barriers and created a legacy for er and her people. Happy birthday, Golda!     If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of John Peters Humphrey, a Canadian legal scholar and human rights activist known for drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights! John spent over 20 years working for the United Nations and spent his entire career advocating for the rights of those often overlooked. Happy birthday, John!    If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of Obiageli Ezekwesili, a Nigerian civil rights advocate who has broken barriers across the country and the world! A courageous and daring activist, Oby has led initiatives challenging extremism, corruption, and gender-based violence. Happy birthday, Oby!   If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

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 TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

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 TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

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 TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

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 TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

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 TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

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 TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

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 TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

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 TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

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 TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

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 TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of Marvin Gaye, the American singer and songwriter known as “The Prince of Soul.” Marvin helped shape R&B and pop music, from Motown soul to the disco sound of the 70s, creating songs still enjoyed to this day. Happy birthday, Marvin! If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of César Estrada Chávez, the American labor leader, community organizer, and Latino American civil right activist! César is best known for his efforts to gain better working conditions for thousands of farm workers, and for forming the United Farm Workers union. Happy birthday, César!If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of James E. Casey, an American businessman known for founding the United Postal Service! Starting from nothing, James filled a void in customer service with UPS, implementing progressive company policies and customer service initiatives still in place today! Happy birthday, James!   If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of Tennessee Williams, the American playwright known for works like The Glass Menagerie, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and A Streetcar Named Desire! Tennessee's work, influenced by his own unhappy upbringing, is considered some of the most important in 20th-century American drama. Happy birthday, Tennessee!  If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of Bob Mackie, the American fashion designer known for dressing entertainment icons like Cher, Elton John, Carol Burnett, and RuPaul. Bob is one of the most prolific designers of our time, as in known for works ranging from movies and television to stage performances and operas (and even designed some of Barbie's clothes!). Happy birthday, Bob! If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of Stephen Sondheim, the Broadway composer and lyricist known for composing some of the most well-known musicals! Considered one of the most important minds in Broadway, Stephen is behind favorites such as West Side Story, Gypsy, and Into the Woods. Happy Birthday, Stephen! If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of Glenn Close, the amazing actress known for her work in film, television, and Broadway! Considered one of the greatest actresses of our time, we celebrate Glenn's life and work, including her performances in Sunset Boulevard, Fatal Attraction, and The Big Chill. Happy Birthday, Glenn! If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of Betty Dukes, the Wal-Mart worker who led a landmark class action lawsuit against the company for gender and racial discrimination. Betty's case went all the way to the Supreme Court, and she is remembered for her activism and fight against discrimination. Happy birthday, Betty!  If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

Today we're celebrating the birthday of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an American lawyer and jurist who served on the United State Supreme Court! After spending a lifetime flourishing in the face of adversity, Ruth became known as an icon for tearing down gender discrimination laws, and for her methodical passion on the bench. Happy birthday, Ruth!If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

 Today we're celebrating the birthday of Liza Minnelli, the amazing and talented actress, dancer, and singer! Born into Hollywood royalty, Liza is known for her performances, such as in Cabaret, and for her energetic stage presence and powerful singing voice. She is truly a star! Happy birthday, Liza!  If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com

 Today we're celebrating the birthday of Lillian Wald, an American nurse, humanitarian, and the founder of the Henry Street Settlement in New York! Amongst many of her achievements, Lillian was the primary developer of modern day community nursing, and was an advocate for education, civil rights, and communities for lower-income families. Happy birthday, Lillian! If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at TheNameDayProject@gmail.com