January 11

Eleanor of Lancaster (1318–1372) was a member of the powerful Lancastrian family. She married John de Beaumont and later Richard FitzAlan, 3rd Earl of Arundel, forging key alliances. Eleanor managed extensive estates and advised on political matters at the royal court. As a patron of religious institutions, she contributed to the foundation and endowment of churches. Her household was known for its cultural patronage and support of scholastic learning. Eleanor’s strategic marriages and philanthropy exemplify the roles of noblewomen in medieval England.

Born in Paris in 1809, Georges-Eugène Haussmann became prefect of the Seine in 1853 at the behest of Emperor Napoleon III. Tasked with modernizing the medieval city, he oversaw an unprecedented program of demolition and reconstruction. Haussmann's vision introduced wide boulevards, parks like the Bois de Boulogne, and improved sanitation via a modern sewer system. His designs reshaped Paris into a model of urban planning, influencing cities worldwide. Despite criticism for high costs and displacement of residents, his legacy endures in the elegant avenues and public spaces. Haussmann resigned in 1870 but his impact on city planning remains celebrated. He died in 1891, remembered as the father of modern Paris.

Miep Gies risked her life to shelter Anne Frank and her family in a secret annex in Amsterdam. After the family's arrest, she recovered and safeguarded Anne's diary. Gies later handed the diary to Otto Frank, enabling its publication. She spent her later years speaking about the Holocaust and the importance of tolerance. Her courage and compassion have inspired generations worldwide.

Gilles Jacquier worked as a correspondent for France 2 television network and contributed to major publications. He covered conflicts in Iraq, Libya, and Syria with courage and determination. In January 2012, he became the first French journalist killed while reporting in the Syrian civil war. Jacquier's photographs and reports shed light on human suffering in war zones. His legacy continues to inspire war correspondents worldwide.

Aaron Swartz (1986–2013) was an American computer programmer, writer, and internet activist. He helped develop the RSS web feed format and co-founded the news aggregator site Reddit. As an advocate for open access, he campaigned against restrictive copyright laws and worked with organizations such as Demand Progress. Swartz's legal battles and tragic death brought global attention to issues of digital rights and academic freedom. His legacy continues to influence the movement for free and open information online.

Chashi Nazrul Islam (1941–2015) was a pioneering Bangladeshi film director and producer. He directed and produced many popular movies, blending social themes with mass appeal. His work often adapted literary classics and historical events for the screen. Islam received several national awards for his contributions to Bangladeshi cinema. He mentored emerging filmmakers and helped shape the industry's growth.

Edgar Ray Killen (1925–2018) was a member of the Ku Klux Klan convicted for his role in the 1964 murders of civil rights workers. Known as the 'Mississippi Burning' case, these killings galvanized the civil rights movement and led to federal investigations. Killen was convicted of manslaughter in 2005 and sentenced to 60 years in prison. His conviction was seen as a significant moment in addressing historic racial violence. He died in prison, leaving behind a legacy of hate and a reminder of America's struggle with racism.