February 16

Born in 1958, Keith Haring gained fame for his vivid public murals in New York City’s subways and streets. His signature figures and symbols explored themes of life, unity, and social justice. Haring used his art as a platform to raise awareness about AIDS, apartheid, and other critical issues. He founded the Keith Haring Foundation to support HIV/AIDS research and art education. Haring's vibrant style and activism continue to influence contemporary artists and public art movements.

Howard W. Koch began his career directing low-budget films in the 1940s and went on to produce major studio pictures. He served as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, influencing industry standards. Koch produced acclaimed films such as 'The Manchurian Candidate' (1962) and worked with top talent of Hollywood's Golden Age. His expertise in storytelling and production management earned him respect among peers. Later in his career, he directed television series and mentored emerging filmmakers. Koch's contributions helped shape modern American cinema before his death in 2001.

Anthony Shadid was born in 1968 in Oklahoma City to Lebanese immigrant parents. He graduated from the University of Missouri and began his career covering U.S. politics before focusing on the Middle East. Shadid won two Pulitzer Prizes for his in-depth reporting on the Iraq War and the Arab Spring uprisings. Fluent in Arabic, he provided nuanced stories from conflict zones, earning respect for his human-centered journalism. He died of a severe asthma attack while reporting in Syria in 2012, leaving a legacy of courage and compassion in war correspondence.

Lasse Braun (1936–2015), born Alberto Ferro, was an Algerian-Italian director, producer, and screenwriter known for his groundbreaking work in adult cinema. After studying law, he turned to filmmaking and became a leading figure in the sexual liberation movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Braun's explicit films challenged censorship laws across Europe and sparked debates on free expression and morality. He produced, directed, and wrote dozens of features under various pseudonyms, blending eroticism with narrative experimentation. Later in his career, he advocated for the legal recognition of adult content as legitimate art and authored books on sexuality and media regulation. His legacy endures in the history of European film and discussions on artistic freedom.