February 19

Élie Ducommun was born in 1833 in Geneva, Switzerland, and became an influential peace proponent. He worked as a journalist, advocating for international arbitration and conflict resolution. Ducommun co-founded and served as secretary general of the International Peace Bureau. In recognition of his dedication to peace, he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1902. His writings and organizational leadership advanced the cause of nonviolent diplomacy. Ducommun’s legacy is reflected in ongoing global peace and human rights initiatives.

Born in 1886 in Manila, Abad Santos became a leading lawyer and jurist in the Philippines. He served as Chief Justice from 1941 and upheld the rule of law during the Japanese invasion. Refusing to collaborate with occupying forces, he joined the Philippine government in exile. Japanese forces captured and executed him in 1942, making him a martyr of Philippine resistance. Abad Santos' integrity and patriotism are honored through monuments and institutions bearing his name. He is remembered as a symbol of justice and courage in Philippine history.

Born in 1930 in Queens, New York, John Frankenheimer began his career directing live television dramas. He made his feature debut with The Young Stranger (1957) but gained acclaim with The Manchurian Candidate in 1962. His tense, stylish films like Seven Days in May and Birdman of Alcatraz explored themes of power and identity. Frankenheimer won multiple Emmy Awards and Directors Guild honors for his work in both TV and film. His later credits include the action thriller Ronin and the historical drama Reindeer Games. He is remembered for dynamic camera work and socially conscious storytelling.

Dave Niehaus (1935–2010) served as the radio play-by-play announcer for the Seattle Mariners from their inaugural season in 1977 until his death. He became beloved for his energetic commentary and memorable home run calls, including his famous "My, oh my!" catchphrase. Niehaus won a Ford C. Frick Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008 for excellence in broadcasting. His enthusiastic style and rapport with listeners cemented his legacy as one of baseball's most iconic voices.

Erin Pizzey (born 1939) is a British campaigner whose pioneering work addressed domestic violence and inspired shelter movements worldwide. In 1971, she established Chiswick Women's Aid, one of the first safe havens for abused women and children, which evolved into the Refuge charity. Pizzey authored influential books combining survivor accounts with social research, shaping public understanding of family violence. Her advocacy influenced government policies and led to the creation of support services across the UK and beyond. Though often a controversial figure, her early activism laid the groundwork for modern domestic abuse interventions and support networks.

Karen Silkwood was a chemical technician at the Kerr-McGee plutonium plant who became a whistleblower on health and safety breaches. Advocating for worker rights and nuclear safety, she joined the Oil, Chemical & Atomic Workers union. Silkwood's mysterious death in a 1974 car accident sparked national debate and inspired the film "Silkwood." Her courage in exposing corporate negligence continues to influence labor and environmental activism.

Born in 1949, Danielle Bunten Berry was a pioneering game designer and programmer whose work laid the foundation for modern multiplayer gaming. Under the name Dan Bunten, she co-founded Ozark Softscape and created influential titles such as M.U.L.E., The Seven Cities of Gold, and Modem Wars. Her games emphasized cooperation, competition, and player interaction, concepts that remain central to the industry. In her later years, she published The Book of Multiplayer, sharing her visionary ideas on game design. Danielle also became one of the first prominent transgender figures in gaming, and her contributions continue to inspire developers worldwide.

Eduardo Xol (born February 19, 1966 – died 2024) was a Guatemalan-American interior designer, author, and television personality who gained fame on HGTV's 'Designed to Sell'. He began his career in Los Angeles, creating vibrant and approachable home designs that emphasized color and functionality. Xol authored design books such as 'Colors for Your Every Mood', offering insights into using color and pattern in interiors. His on-screen charisma and practical design tips helped millions of viewers transform their living spaces. He also contributed to magazines and online platforms as a design expert. Xol’s work made interior design accessible to a broad audience, leaving a lasting impact on home renovation programming.

Reynhard Sinaga is an Indonesian-born convicted serial rapist whose case is considered the largest-ever sexual offenses case in UK legal history. Born in Medan in 1983, he moved to England to study at the University of Leeds and later pursued postgraduate work in Manchester. Between 2015 and 2017, Sinaga lured hundreds of young men to his flat under the guise of hospitality before drugging and assaulting them. Investigators uncovered extensive video evidence linking him to over 200 offenses. He was convicted in 2020 on 159 charges and sentenced to life imprisonment. His crimes sparked a national conversation on male sexual assault and victim support services.

Born in Winter Park, Florida, Arielle Kebbel started her career in modeling before transitioning to acting with guest roles on popular television series. She gained attention as Lindsey Lister on The CW's 90210 and portrayed Lexi Branson on Gossip Girl. Kebbel expanded into the supernatural genre with a role on The Vampire Diaries and appeared in films like John Tucker Must Die and The Grudge 2. Her versatility spans drama, comedy, and horror, showcasing her adaptability on screen. She continues to work across both television and film while maintaining her modeling roots.

Camille Kostek is an American model and television host who gained fame as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover model. She began her career as a cheerleader for the New England Patriots before transitioning to modeling. Kostek has hosted sports programs and appeared in various magazine spreads. She is admired for her athletic background and media presence. Beyond modeling, she engages in philanthropic efforts and motivational speaking.