Do you remember sitting in history class, learning about some war, some law or some historical figure and thinking, "WOW, when am I ever gonna need this information?" ... CAUSE I DON'T. Fooled you there. For me, history is where it is at. The story of how we got here and the story of the people who walked before us is seriously so cool. I think that sometimes we forget just how great certain people from the realm of history truly are.
I feel it is my duty to refresh your memory, to get those dendrites of yours synapse-ing, with some of history's finest and coolest people. Maybe I will even introduce you to some individuals that you've never even heard of before. Regardless, these people should be on your radar cause they sure are rad as hell.
1. Gertrude Stein
This woman is phenomenal, seriously. She was the driving force behind some of the greatest artists and writers that we know- Picasso, Matisse, Hemingway, Fitzgerald. It boggles my brain that she helped these individuals and yet the majority of people don't even know who she is! Stein is most known for her involvement in the Parisian artistic movement in both literature and art. She moved to Paris at the beginning of the 20th century where she lived the majority of her life, immersing herself in Parisian culture and the "avant-garde" style. Stein went against the norm and changed it all. She killed it and I wish to be as awesome as her.
2. Louis Zamperini
THIS MAN! Runner, Olympian, Soldier, Prisoner of War, LEGEND. Although these words tell a story, Zamperini is so much more than them. A couple months ago, I saw the movie Unbroken, which is about Zamperini. Son of immigrant parents, Zamperini was a rebel as a teen but eventually found enjoyment in running. Soon enough, he found himself at the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany. As the U.S. became involved in WWII, Zamperini volunteered as a Bombardier. While on a search and rescue mission, his plane lost power. Zamperini found himself and two others stranded in the ocean for 47 days. Eventually they were captured by the Empire of Japan's Navy and spent nearly two years in Japanese custody as a Prisoner of War. Years later, having combated PTSD, Zamperini returned to Japan and forgave his captors. This man, PURE GOLD.
3. Sonia Sotomayor
My girl. She just looks so happy, I love it. Justice Sotomayor was a appointed to the United States Supreme court by President Obama in 2009. She is the first Latina ever be appointed to the highest court in the land. She has become a strong voice for women and minorities on the many social issues that plague our country. She is also hella fun, having appeared on Seasame Street and being known to slay on the dance floor. Her story was also made into a comic book series, which is pretty legit. Justice Sotomayor is doin' WERK.
4. Ulysses S. Grant
First of all, just look at that swagger.. what a man. Also, with a name like Ulysses you must be pretty frickin' awesome. Grant lead the Union Army during the American Civil War and WON. He then became 18th President of the United States. Although his Presidential years were filled with scandal and criticism, Grant was known for being very honest, a supporter of civil rights and helping the 15th Amendment, which gave citizens the right to vote regardless of, "color, race, or previous condition of servitude." Some would view him as not that good of a good president, but given the circumstances he did what he could and sometimes it's alright it's alright not to be the best. I think Ulysses did good.
5. & 6. Barack Obama and Joe Biden
I can't with these two. I love 'em. Our current President and Vice President right here. Now a lot of people can disagree with me on this one and that's alright because you're FREE to your own opinions. However, I love these two. During these past 8 years our country has gone through the ringer; from the great healthcare debate, to the government shutdown, to the mass shootings and police brutality, the list can feel endless. These two manage to hold it together. All seriousness aside, they are rad as hell and their bromance gives me life. They are simply too cool.
MUST watch: https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHouse/videos/1015433...
7. Harriet Tubman
I had to save this amazing woman for last. Ever since I was little, Tubman has held a special place in my heart. She is definitely a hero of mine. Born into slavery in 1820, Tubman escaped in 1949 and RETURN, yes RETURNED, to the slave holding south to save people. She became the "Conductor" of the Underground Railroad where she lead hundreds to freedom's gates. Tubman took it upon herself to help others get the freedom that they deserved. She is seriously one of history's coolest people, rad as hell for sure. Let's not forget that she will be the new face of the $20 bill, rightly so.
Well folks, I hope you have gained some knowledge and learned a thing or two about some rad people.
