March 01

Homer Plessy was a railroad car inspector of mixed race who sought to challenge segregation laws in Louisiana. In 1892, he deliberately sat in a whites-only railway compartment and was arrested to provoke legal action. His case reached the U.S. Supreme Court in 1896, where the justices upheld the 'separate but equal' doctrine. This decision entrenched racial segregation across the United States for decades. Plessy's act of civil disobedience became a cornerstone for future civil rights litigation. Although the ruling was not overturned until Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, Plessy's courage inspired generations of activists. He died in 1925, remembered as a pioneer in the fight for equality.

Joseph Christopher (1955–1993) carried out a series of murders in 1980, killing three Black men and two white women in Buffalo, New York. Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, he confessed to the killings during which he stabbed his victims on Sunday mornings, earning his grim nickname. Christopher was arrested after a failed attempt to attack another person and was subsequently convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. His case highlighted issues of mental illness in the criminal justice system. Christopher died by suicide in prison in 1993.

Born in 2003 in Singapore, Nurasyura binte Mohamed Fauzi became the center of a tragic criminal case when she was found dead in 2006. Her death shocked the nation and highlighted vulnerabilities in child safety measures. The investigation into her murder led to widespread public outrage and spurred legislative review to enhance penalties for crimes against children. While the case remains a somber reminder of the importance of vigilance and protection, her memory continues to inspire efforts to safeguard the rights and well-being of young victims.

Born in 1969 in Los Angeles, Andrew Breitbart was a passionate and controversial figure in online media. He co-founded The Huffington Post in 2005, revolutionizing digital news distribution, and later launched Breitbart News in 2009, becoming a leading voice in conservative commentary. Known for his confrontational style and knack for viral content, he played a significant role in shaping 21st-century journalism and political discourse. Breitbart’s dedication to alternative media platforms influenced a generation of online publishers. He died of heart failure in 2012 at age 43.

Born in 1932 in Brusnengo, Italy, Germano Mosconi spent over four decades reporting sports for the regional broadcaster Rete Veneta. He became beloved for his passionate on-air delivery and deep knowledge of football. In the late 2000s, outtakes from his broadcasts circulated online, earning him a cult following beyond Italy’s borders. Mosconi’s career spanned print journalism, radio, and television, making him a versatile figure in sports media. He passed away in 2012, remembered for his energy and dedication to the craft of sports reporting.

Born in 1922 in Vannes, France, Alain Resnais began his career editing wartime documentaries before debuting as a feature director with Hiroshima mon amour in 1959, a landmark in world cinema. He collaborated with writers like Marguerite Duras and Jacques Prévert, crafting films that explored memory, time, and identity. Resnais’s stylistic experiments, including non-linear storytelling and surreal imagery, earned international acclaim and awards. Over a career spanning seven decades, he directed over 20 feature films and numerous shorts, leaving a profound impact on filmmakers. He passed away in 2014 at age 91.

Born in 1952 in Paris, Carole Achache authored novels and essays that explored themes of identity, memory, and artistic expression. Her photography exhibitions captured intimate portraits and landscapes, earning acclaim in galleries across France. As an actress, she performed in independent films and theater productions, bringing authenticity and depth to her characters. Achache’s interdisciplinary approach blended visual artistry with literary storytelling, inspiring collaboration among peers. She passed away in 2016, remembered for her innovative spirit and contributions to French arts.

Mike Willesee was a pioneering Australian journalist whose career spanned over 40 years. He hosted and produced flagship programs such as A Current Affair and Willesee at Seven on the Nine Network. Renowned for his incisive interviewing style, he tackled major political and social issues. Willesee moderated national election debates and held leaders to account with probing questions. His work helped shape the landscape of modern Australian broadcast journalism and inspired generations of reporters.