Born on This Day: May 19

American merchant and philanthropist whose bequest founded enduring institutions in medicine, research, and higher education.

American-born British politician who became the first woman to sit in the House of Commons and expanded women’s public leadership.

Turkish statesman whose leadership founded the Republic of Turkey and transformed its political and social institutions.

Vietnamese revolutionary leader whose campaigns for independence and communist government reshaped Southeast Asian history.

American minister and activist whose advocacy transformed debates about Black identity, self-determination, and civil rights.

Cambodian revolutionary whose brutal Khmer Rouge regime caused mass death and remains central to the study of genocide.

American playwright whose A Raisin in the Sun transformed American theater and portrayals of Black family life.

American writer and filmmaker whose sharp dialogue and personal essays influenced modern comedy and romantic cinema.