March 02

Henry Billings Brown was an American lawyer and jurist born in 1836 in Massachusetts. He practiced law and served as a judge before his appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1890. Brown authored the majority opinion in the 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson case upholding 'separate but equal' segregation. His judicial career spanned the Gilded Age, during which he addressed issues of federalism and civil rights. He retired from the Court in 1906 and continued to be involved in legal scholarship and public affairs. Brown’s legacy is marked by his influential, and controversial, contributions to American jurisprudence.

René Vallon (1880–1911) was a French aviation pioneer active during the earliest years of powered flight. Inspired by the Wright brothers’ achievements, he learned to pilot fragile aircraft in France’s emerging airfields. Vallon performed demonstration flights that captivated public imagination and showcased the potential of aviation. He also experimented with aircraft design and aerodynamics, contributing to early technical knowledge. His promising career was tragically cut short when he died in an aviation accident in 1911.

Moe Berg was a Major League Baseball catcher who played for several teams between 1923 and 1939. Born in New York City, he was known for his intelligence, speaking multiple languages and earning a law degree from Columbia University. During World War II, he volunteered for the U.S. Office of Strategic Services, gathering intelligence behind enemy lines. He famously attended sports events in Axis countries to assess their progress and was once tasked with evaluating the potential for a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. After the war, he faded into relative obscurity, dying in 1972. His dual legacy as athlete and spy has inspired books and documentaries.

Ernst Haas was a groundbreaking Austrian-American photographer whose innovative color photography reshaped the medium. He began his career in photojournalism before exploring the artistic potential of color imagery. Haas's work appeared in renowned publications such as Life magazine, introducing vivid storytelling through photography. He published influential monographs and held exhibitions worldwide, earning acclaim for his experimental techniques. Haas's legacy endures in contemporary photography, where his aesthetic vision continues to inspire artists and photojournalists.

Gun Hägglund was born in Strömstad, Sweden, in 1932. She began her career as a translator before joining Sveriges Television (SVT) in the 1950s. In 1958, Hägglund became one of the first female news presenters on Swedish television, breaking gender barriers in broadcasting. Throughout her career, she reported on major national and international events, earning respect for her clear delivery and journalistic integrity. She also translated numerous literary works from English to Swedish, making important literature accessible to Swedish readers. Hägglund received several awards for her contributions to journalism and translation. She retired in the 1980s and continued supporting media education until her death in 2011. Hägglund is remembered as a trailblazer who paved the way for women in Swedish media.

John Tusa was born in Prague in 1936 and moved to England as a child. He built a distinguished career in broadcasting, joining the BBC in the 1960s. Tusa served as director of the BBC World Service from 1994 to 2000, shaping global news coverage. He later became principal of the Royal College of Music, promoting arts education. He authored several books on international affairs and media ethics. Tusa chaired the London Symphony Orchestra and contributed to cultural institutions. He is a frequent broadcaster and lecturer, known for his incisive interviews. His work bridges journalism, academia, and the performing arts.

Born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Laura Kaeppeler was named Miss America in 2012, earning scholarship awards and national recognition. During her reign, she advocated for mental health awareness, drawing on her own family's experiences. Kaeppeler showcased her musical talent as a harpist during the pageant and has since performed at various events. After her tenure, she pursued a career in media and public speaking, focusing on issues like mental health and education. She continues to engage in charitable initiatives and community work across the United States.

Prince Oscar Carl Olof was born to Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia of Sweden and was granted the title Duke of Skåne at birth. As a young royal, he is in the line of succession to the Swedish throne and participates in select official ceremonies and national celebrations. His christening at Drottningholm Palace Church was attended by members of European royal families, highlighting his place in modern monarchy. Even at an early age, Prince Oscar has captured public attention with his calm demeanor and affectionate interactions during royal events. His parents emphasize a balance between his royal duties and a normal childhood. Observers note his warm presence and anticipate his future role in Sweden’s constitutional monarchy.