January 26

Born in 1562 into the Hyde family, Lawrence Hyde pursued a career in law during the reigns of Elizabeth I and James I. He served as a respected legal advisor and held various positions within the royal administration. Hyde’s expertise in common law and civil matters made him a sought-after counselor in property and ecclesiastical cases. He was also involved in drafting legal documents and overseeing court proceedings at Westminster. Hyde died in 1641, remembered for his contributions to the legal profession and his role in shaping early 17th-century English jurisprudence.

Charles 'Lucky' Luciano was a Sicilian-born gangster who restructured organized crime in the United States during the Prohibition era. He established The Commission, a national governing body for Mafia families, and pioneered the syndicate's modern racketeering and narcotics operations. Luciano's bold tactics and strategic alliances transformed the underworld into a nationwide enterprise. Convicted of compulsory prostitution in 1936, he was deported to Italy but continued to wield influence from abroad. Luciano's legacy endures in the organizational framework of modern organized crime.

Jan Gies was born in 1905 in the Netherlands and worked as a small business owner in Amsterdam. During World War II, he and his wife Miep helped hide Anne Frank and her family from Nazi persecution. The Gies family provided food, shelter, and unwavering support to the Franks in their secret annex. After the war, Jan continued to share his experiences, contributing to Holocaust education and remembrance. His bravery and compassion have become emblematic of the Dutch resistance movement. He died on January 26, 1993, remembered as a symbol of humanitarian courage.

Jeane Dixon gained nationwide fame with her weekly astrology column distributed by King Features Syndicate. She claimed to have predicted major events, including the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Dixon authored several books on astrology and the occult, influencing popular interest in spiritualism. She consulted for celebrities and political figures seeking insight into their futures. Despite skepticism from the scientific community, her predictions garnered a devoted following. Dixon's blend of astrology and prophecy made her one of the most recognized psychics in 20th-century America.

David Kato Kisule (1964–2011) was a Ugandan educator and leading LGBT rights activist often called the father of Uganda's gay rights movement. He co-founded Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) and worked tirelessly to challenge discriminatory laws and social stigma. Kato provided legal support and safe spaces for LGBT individuals facing persecution. Despite threats and a violent attack, he continued his advocacy until his tragic murder in 2011, which sparked international condemnation. His courage and dedication inspired activists worldwide and highlighted the fight for human rights in Africa.