January 26

French Enlightenment philosopher born in Paris in 1715. Authored 'De l'Esprit,' proposing that human behavior is driven by pleasure and pain. Advocated for rational education, social reform, and the pursuit of the common good. His ideas sparked controversy and censorship, leading to the temporary banning of his work. Friend to prominent thinkers like Diderot and Condillac. Died in 1771; his utilitarian ideas influenced later ethical and political theory.

Angela Davis was born on January 26, 1944, in Birmingham, Alabama. She studied philosophy and became a member of the Communist Party USA, intertwining her academic work with radical politics. In the late 1960s, she was charged with conspiracy in a high-profile courtroom case that sparked global protests and debate about the U.S. justice system. After her acquittal, Davis continued her academic career, earning a professorship at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her writings on race, gender, and the prison-industrial complex have become foundational texts in critical theory and feminist studies. She founded organizations dedicated to prison abolition and civil rights, inspiring activists worldwide. Davis has received numerous awards for her scholarship and activism, including the Lenin Peace Prize. Throughout her career, she has remained a leading voice for systemic change and social equality. Her work continues to influence movements for justice and human rights around the globe.