February 13

Born in Mantua in 1474 as a member of the Este family. She married Francesco II Gonzaga, Marquess of Mantua, and served as regent during his absences. A renowned patron, she corresponded with artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Andrea Mantegna, and Titian. Her studiolo in Mantua became a cultural center for humanist scholars and artists. She maintained an extensive letter archive that provides insight into Renaissance politics and society. Known as the 'First Lady of the Renaissance,' she shaped European court culture until her death in 1539.

Born around 1523 into the prominent Howard family. She married King Henry VIII in 1540, becoming his fifth queen at approximately age 17. Her brief tenure at court was marked by youthful exuberance and rumored indiscretions. Accused of adultery, she was arrested and tried in November 1541. Catherine was found guilty and executed at the Tower of London on February 13, 1542. Her downfall highlighted the perilous nature of Tudor politics and royal favor.

Otakar Batlička was born in 1895 in Prague, then part of Austria-Hungary. An avid traveler, he wrote engaging articles and memoirs about his expeditions across Asia and Africa. Batlička became fascinated by amateur radio and authored pioneering manuals to popularize radio communication in Czechoslovakia. During World War II, he joined the anti-Nazi resistance group Obrana národa, using his technical skills to support underground activities. Arrested by the Gestapo in 1941, he was imprisoned and ultimately died in Mauthausen concentration camp in 1942. Batlička’s adventurous spirit and sacrifice remain an inspiration in Czech cultural history.

Faith Bandler (1918–2015) was a pioneering Australian civil rights activist and writer of South Sea Islander heritage. She organized campaigns that led to the successful 1967 referendum, granting Indigenous Australians citizenship rights. Bandler authored several books and articles documenting the struggles and history of her people. As co-founder of the Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (FCAATSI), she advocated tirelessly for social justice. She was honored with the Order of Australia and the Centenary Medal for her contributions to human rights. Bandler’s eloquence and determination left an enduring impact on Australia’s journey toward equality.

Stan Chambers (1923–2015) was a pioneering American television reporter whose career at Los Angeles station KTLA spanned over six decades. He covered landmark events including the Northridge earthquake, the Watts riots, and the Black Dahlia murder case. Chambers earned a Guinness World Record for the longest career as a television news reporter at a single station. In addition to journalism, he made cameo appearances in films and television shows. His dedication to storytelling and on-the-ground reporting set a high standard for broadcast journalism. Chambers’s legacy lives on as a model of integrity and perseverance in the news industry.

Antonin Scalia (1936–2016) served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1986 until his death. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan, he became one of the court’s most influential conservative voices. Scalia championed originalism, arguing that the Constitution should be interpreted based on its original public meaning. He authored landmark opinions in cases such as District of Columbia v. Heller, shaping Second Amendment jurisprudence. Known for his sharp wit and forceful oral arguments, he left a profound impact on American legal thought. Scalia’s tenure solidified his reputation as a leading advocate for textualist and restrained judicial philosophy.

Aileen Hernandez (1926–2017) was a trailblazing American labor organizer and civil rights advocate. She began her career with the Fair Employment Practice Committee, combating workplace discrimination. In 1961, she became one of the first women appointed to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Hernandez co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966 and served as its first president. Throughout her life, she championed women’s rights, civil rights, and labor equity. Her pioneering efforts paved the way for future generations of female leaders and activists.