February 27

Roche Braziliano (c. 1630–1671) was a Dutch pirate famous for his audacious raids on Spanish ships and settlements. Operating from bases in Dutch colonies, he amassed wealth through plunder and ransom. Stories of his ruthless tactics and extravagant drinking spread throughout the Caribbean. Despite his violent reputation, he embodied the adventurous spirit of the Golden Age of Piracy. His life remains shrouded in legend, inspiring later tales of buccaneers and sea rovers.

Born into the powerful Radziwiłł family in 1667, Ludwika Karolina became a notable figure in European nobility. She married Charles III Philip, Elector Palatine, forging political alliances between Prussia and the Palatinate. Known for her intelligence and cultural patronage, she influenced the arts and education at the Palatine court. Her marriage was strategic in strengthening ties between the Holy Roman Empire’s territories. Despite her early death in 1695, her descendants continued to shape Central European politics. Her life reflects the complex dynastic and political networks of 17th-century Europe.

Born in Vienna in 1859, Bertha Pappenheim co-founded the Jewish Women's League and tirelessly advocated for the welfare of women and children. She gained notoriety as the first patient of Josef Breuer, known by the pseudonym Anna O., a case that influenced the development of psychoanalysis. Pappenheim established shelters, orphanages, and educational programs for at-risk girls across Europe. As an author, she published memoirs and social critiques that highlighted the conditions of women in industrial society. She campaigned vigorously against human trafficking and domestic abuse. Her pioneering work laid the foundation for modern social work and feminist movements in Germany and Austria.

Mabel Keaton Staupers was a pioneering African American nurse and a tireless advocate for racial integration in the US healthcare system. Born in Barbados and raised in Harlem, she became director of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses. She battled discrimination to open naval hospital positions to Black nurses during World War II. Her advocacy led to the eventual integration of the American Nurses Association. Staupers worked to improve training and employment opportunities for Black nurses nationwide. Her legacy paved the way for generations of nurses of color. She was honored with numerous awards for her impact on civil rights and nursing education.

Lúcio Costa was a pioneering Brazilian architect and urban planner known for shaping modern Brasilia. Born in France, he moved to Brazil and embraced modernist architecture under Le Corbusier’s influence. Costa’s 1957 master plan for Brasilia won an international competition and redefined urban design. He collaborated with Oscar Niemeyer to realize the city’s iconic civic buildings. His work emphasized symmetry, open space, and integration with nature. Costa also contributed to archaeological research and taught at the National School of Fine Arts. He remains celebrated as a key figure in 20th-century modern architecture.

Charlayne Hunter-Gault co-integrated the University of Georgia in 1961, breaking racial barriers in higher education. She went on to build a distinguished journalism career, reporting for The New York Times, National Public Radio, and the BBC. Hunter-Gault covered major global events, including apartheid in South Africa and the fall of the Berlin Wall. She has authored memoirs and received numerous awards for her contributions to journalism and civil rights. As a speaker and educator, she continues to inspire future generations with her work on social justice and human rights.

Born in 1951, Lee Atwater rose to prominence as campaign manager for President Ronald Reagan's 1984 re-election. He later served as Chairman of the Republican National Committee from 1989 to 1991. Atwater pioneered modern political campaigning techniques and popularized the 'Southern Strategy'. His aggressive messaging tactics reshaped American electoral politics and influenced campaign strategy for decades. Despite controversy over his methods, his skill in opposition research set new industry standards. He died of a brain tumor in 1991 at the age of 40, leaving a complex legacy in political history.

Walter Maria de Silva is a celebrated Italian automotive designer. Born in La Spezia in 1951, he rose to prominence at Alfa Romeo, leading the design of the 156 and GTV models. In 1993, he joined SEAT as Design Director, introducing bold, modern aesthetics with the Leon and Toledo. De Silva became Director of Volkswagen Group Design in 2002, shaping the corporate identity across brands including Audi, Lamborghini, and Bentley. Under his guidance, Audi models such as the A5 Coupe and R8 sports car gained acclaim for their elegant lines and proportions. He is praised for blending innovation with timeless elegance, influencing a generation of designers. De Silva retired in 2015 but continues to advise and lecture at design schools worldwide.

Gavin Esler is a veteran Scottish journalist, author, and television presenter. Born in Edinburgh in 1953, he began his career at BBC Radio before becoming a foreign correspondent in Asia, Europe, and the United States. Esler joined ITV News in 1989, presenting News at Ten and reporting on major global events. In 2005, he became a lead presenter of BBC's Newsnight, conducting high-profile interviews with world leaders. As an author, he has written both fiction and non-fiction works, including political thrillers and analyses of international affairs. Esler's clear reporting style and incisive commentary have earned him multiple journalism awards. After leaving Newsnight in 2014, he continued to write, lecture, and host programs on politics and culture.

Stelios Kouloglou is a multifaceted Greek journalist, documentary filmmaker, author, and politician. Born in Athens in 1953, he studied political science before embarking on a career in journalism. Kouloglou reported on human rights issues and conflicts across Europe for over three decades, producing acclaimed documentaries on social justice and migration. In addition to his journalism, he has authored several books covering contemporary political and historical themes in Greece. In 2014, he was elected as a Member of the European Parliament with the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA), where he served on committees for foreign affairs and human rights. Kouloglou is known for his investigative approach, challenging power structures through his work. He remains an influential voice on press freedom and democratic values in Europe.

Meena Keshwar Kamal was a pioneering Afghan women's rights activist and founder of the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA) in 1977. Born in Kabul in 1956, she witnessed political unrest and the rise of fundamentalism, inspiring her commitment to secular democracy and gender equality. Through RAWA, Meena organized literacy programs, vocational training, and advocacy campaigns to empower Afghan women. She used journalism and public speaking to expose human rights abuses and campaigned internationally for support against oppressive regimes. Despite threats to her life, she continued her work underground until her assassination in 1987. Meena's legacy endures through RAWA's ongoing efforts and her vision of a free and equal Afghanistan.

Born Jan-Markus Stenfors in 1963 in Helsinki, Finland, Nasty Suicide rose to fame as the co-guitarist for the glam punk band Hanoi Rocks in the early 1980s. He contributed to iconic albums like Two Steps from the Move and toured internationally with the group. After Hanoi Rocks disbanded, he performed with various rock acts and worked as a session musician. Parallel to his music career, Stenfors pursued studies in pharmacy and became a licensed pharmacist. He has demonstrated versatility by balancing his passions for music and healthcare over several decades.