Leo Birthdays (July 23rd - Aug. 22nd)
With a knack for taking charge and confronting a challenge, a Leo girl certainly has a lot in common with her symbol, the lion. She’s ambitious and independent but her magnetic personality means she’s never solo for long. People are drawn to her determination and she’s loyal to them in return. Creative, passionate, and driven, this month’s group of Leo women proves that the lion kings aren’t the only ones leading the pack.
Amelia Earhart, one of the world’s most famous pilots, was born on July 24, 1897. She set numerous aviation records, including becoming the first woman to fly alone across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932. In 1937 she famously attempted a historic flight around the world. Sadly, her plane went missing somewhere over the Pacific Ocean and her fate remains a mystery, but her legacy remains as both a pilot and a pioneer.
She may not have been allowed to eat in the staff dining room because she was a woman, but scientist Rosalind Franklin excelled in the laboratory. Born on July 25, 1920, Franklin attended Cambridge University and conducted her research at King’s College in London. She made important contributions to the study of DNA and went on to examine the polio* virus. Franklin died in 1958, but she remains a key figure in her field.
Born on July 31, 1965, author J.K. Rowling has become one of the best-selling writers in history. Her seven Harry Potter novels have become a $15 billion industry, entertaining muggles of all ages worldwide. Rowling used her writing to cope with hardships like unemployment, her mother’s death, and her own bout with depression. She donates regularly to many charities that benefit women and children in crisis, single-parent families, and people with multiple sclerosis.
Popular Hindi film actress Kajol was born in Mumbai, India on August 5, 1974. She has appeared in several hit Bollywood* films since 1992 and continues to star in movies today. Kajol has been honored four times as Best Actress at the annual Filmfare Awards, which recognize excellence in the Hindi film industry.
Annie Malone was one of the first female African-American entrepreneurs. Born on August 9, 1869, Malone created a popular hair care line for women of color, improving and revolutionizing the cosmetic industry. A multi-millionaire, she also served as president of the St. Louis Colored Orphan’s Home. Malone died in 1957, but the orphanage, now the Annie Malone Children & Family Service Center, continues to provide services to kids and families in crisis.
Halle Berry was born on August 14, 1966. She made history in 2001 when she became the first – and only – African-American woman to win a Best Actress Academy Award (for her performance in Monster’s Ball). She has also won four NAACP Image Awards and two BET Awards, not to mention a Razzie Award for Worst Actress in 2004’s Catwoman. Berry made history again by accepting the Razzie in person, demonstrating a refreshing sense of humor rarely seen in Hollywood A-listers.
From ABC to NBC to CNN, Connie Chung is one reporter who certainly knows her alphabet. Born on August 20, 1946, this anchor and journalist has been a mainstay on the national news circuit for more than 30 years. Chung is the first Asian American and the second woman to secure a major nightly news anchor position. She has won three Emmy Awards and a prestigious Peabody Award for excellence in television broadcasting.
Heroes fans know Hayden Panettiere, born on August 21, 1989, as Claire Bennet, your everyday high school cheerleader/indestructible superhero. Recently, this teen has proven she is just as tough as her on-screen character – Panettiere has become an outspoken animal rights activist, protesting for the protection of whales and dolphins from fishermen in Japan.
* Polio: a viral disease that affects the brain and spinal cord
* Bollywood: a genre of Indian films, often with song-and-dance numbers.
Sources: wikipedia.org, idmb.com, www.whereincity.com, www.ameliaearhart.com, www.feminist.org, www.people.com, www.anniemalone.com, www.dictionary.com
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