January 29

Mary Whitwell Hale emerged as one of the early American women to shape religious music and education. She taught in several New England schools before founding her own academy for young women. Her hymns were included in popular 19th-century hymnals and were praised for their devotional depth and poetic quality. Hale balanced her roles as an educator and a writer, believing in the power of music to inspire faith. Throughout her career, she advocated for expanded educational opportunities for girls, leaving a legacy in both the classroom and the church community.

Born in Havana, Cuba, Saralegui emigrated to the United States as a teenager and began her career in journalism. She launched "El Show de Cristina" on Univision in 1989, where she interviewed celebrities and discussed cultural topics. The show became one of the highest-rated Spanish-language talk programs in the U.S., running for over two decades. In addition to television, she has acted in films and written for magazines, expanding her media presence. Saralegui has been recognized for her contributions to entertainment and advocacy within the Hispanic community.

Gia Carangi was born on January 29, 1960, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was discovered by a Wilhelmina model agent in her late teens and quickly rose to international fame. Carangi graced the covers of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Cosmopolitan throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s. Known for her striking looks and fiery personality, she became a sought-after face in fashion editorials and runway shows. Despite her success, Carangi struggled with addiction, which impacted her career. She passed away in 1986 from AIDS-related complications at the age of 26. Gia’s brief but influential career has been the subject of documentaries and fictional portrayals, cementing her legend in fashion history.

Gauri Lankesh was an Indian journalist and activist who edited the Kannada-language weekly Lankesh Patrike. She was renowned for her fearless reporting on social issues and outspoken criticism of extremist ideologies. A vocal advocate for freedom of expression and minority rights, she used her platform to challenge corruption and intolerance. Over her career, she wrote numerous columns and essays highlighting human rights and secularism. Tragically, she was assassinated in 2017, an event that sparked widespread protests and calls for press freedom. Her legacy continues to inspire activists and journalists across India.

Monte Cook is renowned for his contributions to Dungeons & Dragons during the 1990s, including Planescape and the third edition. He co-founded the Roleplaying Game Association and later founded Monte Cook Games. His works such as Arcana Unearthed and the Numenera setting have influenced modern RPG design. Cook has authored numerous adventure modules, rulebooks, and award-winning supplements. He continues to shape the industry with innovative game mechanics and storytelling approaches.

Sara Gilbert is an American actress who rose to fame portraying Darlene Conner on the sitcom Roseanne, a role she reprised in the spin-off series The Conners. She co-created and served as executive producer on The Conners, showcasing her skills behind the camera. In 2010, Gilbert co-founded and moderated the daytime talk show The Talk until 2019. She has produced and directed several television projects while advocating for LGBTQ representation in media. Beyond her entertainment career, Gilbert actively supports philanthropic causes and community programs.