January 08

The daughter of King Robert II of France, Adèle married Baldwin V of Flanders in 1028, strengthening ties between the French crown and Flanders. As Countess, she managed the county's affairs and witnessed the flourishing of trade and monastic culture. After Baldwin's death in 1067, she served as regent for her young son, Baldwin VI, guiding the region through a peaceful transition of power. Adèle maintained close relations with the church, founding religious houses and endowing local monasteries. She retired to the Abbey of Messines, where she spent her final years in devotion. Adèle's life illustrates the political influence of medieval noblewomen.

Born in 1706, Baskerville began his career as a writing master before turning to printing in Oxford. He developed a high-contrast typeface known as Baskerville, celebrated for its clarity and beauty. Baskerville also improved paper quality, inks, and press technology, producing books of exceptional elegance. Though his style was initially controversial, it later gained widespread acclaim among printers and designers. He expanded his interests to include porcelain and architectural design. Baskerville died on January 8, 1775, and his name remains synonymous with typographic excellence.

Born around 1818 in England, Norton emigrated to San Francisco during the Gold Rush and achieved moderate success in real estate. In 1859, he proclaimed himself Emperor Norton I, Protector of Mexico, issuing his own currency and decrees despite having no legal authority. His whimsical proclamations, such as ordering the dissolution of Congress, endeared him to residents who treated him with mock respect. City newspapers and citizens recognized his dignity, and local businesses accepted his self-issued money. Norton’s legacy persists in San Francisco lore as a symbol of individualism and the city’s tolerant spirit. He died in 1880, and his funeral drew thousands of mourners.

Karl Ernst Krafft combined his background in mathematics and astronomy with astrology, publishing forecasts that gained attention in Europe during the interwar period. He contributed articles to Swiss and German publications and authored several books on astrological methods. Krafft’s reputation led to contacts with high-ranking Nazi officials, including propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels. He was arrested by the Gestapo amid suspicions but later continued his work under Nazi oversight. His career illustrates the complex interplay between pseudoscience and politics in the early 20th century.

Born in Hozat, Turkey, Göktepe studied journalism in Istanbul before becoming a reporter. He gained recognition for his powerful photographs documenting social and political issues. In January 1996, he was arrested while covering a political event and died in police custody. His death sparked national and international outcry over press freedom and police brutality. Investigations revealed signs of maltreatment, leading to reforms in Turkish law enforcement. Göktepe's legacy endures through journalism awards and scholarships established in his name. His work continues to inspire photojournalists committed to uncovering the truth. He is remembered as a courageous advocate for human rights and freedom of expression.

Born to immigrant parents in Poughkeepsie, New York, in 1908, Jane Bolin excelled academically. She graduated from Yale Law School in 1931 and joined the New York City Law Department. In 1939, she shattered racial and gender barriers by becoming the first black female judge in the U.S. Bolin served on the family court bench for over 40 years, championing child welfare and civil rights. She was a founding member of numerous organizations supporting minority professionals and women's rights. Her pioneering career paved the way for future generations in the legal profession until her passing in 2007.

Lasantha Wickrematunge was a pioneering Sri Lankan journalist who founded and led the weekly newspaper The Sunday Leader. He used his platform to expose human rights abuses and political corruption in Sri Lanka. His fearless reporting made him both revered and targeted by powerful figures. In 2009, he was assassinated in a case that shocked the nation and drew international condemnation. Wickrematunge's legacy endures as a symbol of press freedom and courage in journalism.

Jiří Dienstbier was a respected Czech journalist and outspoken dissident who signed the Charter 77 manifesto challenging the country's communist leadership. He edited underground publications advocating human rights and free press, enduring government persecution. Following the Velvet Revolution, Dienstbier was appointed as the first non-communist foreign minister of Czechoslovakia, helping to reestablish international relations. He later served as a senator in the Czech Republic, championing democratic reforms. Dienstbier's lifelong commitment to transparency and justice made him a key figure in modern Czech history.

Jeanne Sobelson Manford was a pioneering American teacher whose public support launched a movement for LGBTQ family advocacy. In 1972, after her gay son was beaten at a protest, she wrote an open letter to the New York Post in support of gay rights. This act led her to co-found Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), creating a safe network for families nationwide. Manford tirelessly lectured and organized support groups, helping countless parents embrace their LGBTQ children. Her grassroots work laid the foundation for modern LGBTQ allyship and continues to inspire community activism.

Alasdair Milne was a respected British media executive who led the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) from 1982 to 1987. Prior to becoming Director-General, he held key roles in television programming, championing innovative series and documentaries. During his tenure, Milne navigated political pressures over editorial independence and oversaw the expansion of BBC services. He introduced programs that broadened cultural and current affairs coverage, reinforcing the BBC's reputation for quality broadcasting. After departing the BBC, he remained active in media consultancy and advocated for press freedom until his death.

Iancu Țucărman was born in 1922 in Romania and endured the horrors of the Holocaust after being deported to Nazi forced labor camps. Surviving Auschwitz and other camps, he returned home after liberation and committed himself to bearing witness to history. As a teacher and speaker, he traveled extensively to share his experiences, aiming to educate younger generations about the dangers of intolerance and hatred. He contributed to numerous memoirs and interviews, ensuring that the memories of those who perished would not be forgotten. His tireless work in Holocaust education made him a respected voice in human rights advocacy. Țucărman passed away in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and hope.