February 20

Born into slavery around 1818, Frederick Douglass escaped to freedom in 1838 and became a powerful voice against slavery. He published his first autobiography, "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave," in 1845. An eloquent orator, he spoke to audiences across the United States and Europe on abolition and civil rights. Douglass also campaigned for women’s suffrage and held several public offices during Reconstruction. His newspapers, including The North Star, influenced public opinion and the abolitionist movement. Douglass’s legacy endures as a champion of human dignity and equal rights.

Born in 1903 in Hokkaido, Kobayashi moved to Tokyo to study at Waseda University. He became involved in the proletarian literature movement and wrote passionately about the struggles of workers. His 1929 novel 'The Crab Cannery Ship' depicted harsh conditions on fishing vessels and inspired social reform. Kobayashi's activism led to his arrest and torture by the Special Higher Police. He died in 1933 at age 30, but his work continued to influence Japanese literature and leftist movements for decades.

Sarah Kane was born in 1971 in Essex, England, and emerged as one of the most provocative voices in contemporary theater. Her debut play, Blasted, shocked audiences with its brutal portrayal of war, sexual violence, and moral decay. Kane’s subsequent works—Phaedra’s Love, Cleansed, Crave, and 4.48 Psychosis—continued to push theatrical boundaries with experimental structure and intense emotional depth. She explored themes of trauma, love, and mental illness with unflinching honesty. Although her work initially divided critics, she has since been recognized as a major influence on modern drama. Kane’s writing combined poetic language with graphic imagery to challenge societal taboos. She died by suicide on February 20, 1999, at the age of 28, leaving a legacy of influential and controversial plays.

Born in 1937 in Louisville, Kentucky, he began his career as a sports reporter before traveling to South America for Rolling Stone magazine. In 1970, he introduced Gonzo journalism, a style blending fact and personal experience, in his Kentucky Derby piece. His best‐known book, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, became a cult classic and was adapted into a film in 1998. Thompson was known for his fearless critique of American politics and counterculture, as exemplified in Hell's Angels and Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail. His writing style combined dark humor, social commentary, and vivid prose. He lived a life marked by excess, drugs, and rebellion, ultimately taking his own life in 2005. His influence endures in modern inventive journalism and literature.

Born in 1920 in Poznań, he studied journalism before embarking on extensive travels across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. His vivid articles and books, such as The Airship Trips, introduced Polish readers to remote landscapes and nuanced cultural observations. He wrote for leading publications like Przekrój, blending reportage with literary flair. Wolanowski's works emphasized human stories and everyday life, earning him acclaim at home and abroad. He authored more than fifty books and received several awards for his contribution to travel literature. Until his death on February 20, 2006, he remained an inspiration to aspiring writers and explorers. His legacy endures in the realms of journalism and travel writing.

Govind Pansare (1933–2015) was a prominent Marathi author renowned for his writings on social and political challenges. As a dedicated social activist, he championed secularism and fought against caste and communal discrimination. He served as a professor of political science and inspired many through his engaging lectures and public talks. Pansare's books and essays remain significant for understanding Maharashtra's political landscape and cultural history. His outspoken views made him a target of extremist elements, and his tragic assassination in 2015 sparked national outcry.

John C. Willke (1925–2015) was an American obstetrician-gynecologist and a leading figure in the pro-life movement. He served as president of the National Right to Life Committee and campaigned nationwide against abortion. Willke authored seminal guides on family planning and adoption that influenced public policy and grassroots activists. As a physician, he brought medical expertise to legislative hearings and media debates. His work left a lasting mark on bioethics discussions and the national dialogue over reproductive rights.

Steve Hewlett (1958–2017) was a respected British journalist and presenter with the BBC and The Guardian. He hosted flagship programs on BBC Radio 4 and offered analysis of media trends on television. Hewlett's writing and broadcasts explored the interplay between politics, culture, and the press. He held editorial roles at major newspapers, contributing to in-depth investigations and commentaries. After a battle with cancer, he shared his personal journey on air, raising public awareness and empathy.

Nurul Haque Miah (1944–2021) was a distinguished professor of Bengali literature at a major Bangladeshi university. He authored numerous books and critical essays on language, culture, and South Asian history. Miah’s research focused on modern Bengali poetry and literary criticism. He mentored countless students, earning a reputation for his engaging lectures and academic rigor. An active literary organizer, he founded workshops and conferences to nurture emerging writers.