February 21

Abe no Seimei was born in 921 and served as an onmyōji at the imperial court during Japan's Heian period. He gained fame for his expertise in astrology, divination, and exorcism, advising several emperors on state rituals and celestial events. Legends attribute supernatural powers to him, from controlling spirits to averting disasters, making him a figure of enduring folklore. His practices formed the basis of onmyōdō, a blend of natural science and mysticism that deeply influenced Japanese culture. After his death in 1005, his legacy continued through literature, theatre, and annual festivals in Kyoto celebrating his mystical traditions.

Rebecca Nurse was born in 1621 in England and emigrated to Salem Village in Massachusetts Bay Colony. Celebrated for her piety and strong character, she was a respected member of the Puritan community. In 1692, she was accused of witchcraft in the hysteria of the Salem witch trials. Despite extensive testimony in her favor, she was convicted and hanged on July 19, 1692. Her death shocked contemporaries and helped spark the end of the trials; she was posthumously exonerated in 1711.

Jeanne Calment was a French super-centenarian who holds the record for the longest confirmed human lifespan at 122 years and 164 days. Born in Arles in 1875, she witnessed remarkable historical and technological changes, from the introduction of the bicycle to the dawn of the Internet. Calment attributed her longevity to olive oil, port wine, and a calm demeanor. She claimed to have met Vincent van Gogh as a young girl, adding a fascinating anecdote to her life story. Throughout her life, she remained physically active, riding a bicycle until her hundredth birthday and playing tennis in her 80s. Calment's life was the subject of extensive scientific studies seeking to understand the secrets of extreme longevity. Her record remains unbroken, inspiring researchers and the public alike.

Claudia Jones was born in Trinidad and became an influential communist and civil rights activist in the United States before relocating to Britain. Facing deportation for her political work, she founded the West Indian Gazette, the first major Black British newspaper. In response to racial tensions in London, she organized community events that evolved into the annual Notting Hill Carnival. Jones championed racial equality, women's rights, and workers' solidarity throughout her career. A prolific writer and speaker, her ideas laid the groundwork for later multicultural movements in the UK. She passed away in 1964 but remains a foundational figure in Black British history.

Mark Ferguson (born 1965) is an Australian journalist and news presenter. He has been a prominent reporter on national and regional television. Celebrated for his clear delivery and authoritative style, he became a trusted news anchor. Ferguson has covered significant events including elections and international affairs. With decades of experience, he has influenced broadcast journalism in Australia.