March 17

Martha Platt Falconer was born in 1862 in Philadelphia and became a key figure in early 20th-century social reform. She served as the superintendent of the Indiana Girls' School, where she introduced rehabilitative programs focused on education and vocational training. Falconer's success led to her appointment as chief probation officer for juvenile courts in Pittsburgh, where she championed the separation of juveniles from adult offenders. She collaborated with the U.S. Children's Bureau to help establish the first juvenile courts and detention homes. Her advocacy emphasized the importance of foster care and probation services for at-risk youth. Falconer's pioneering methods influenced national policies on juvenile justice. She continued her work until her retirement and passed away in 1941.

Pierce Butler was born in 1866 in Glencoe, Minnesota and earned his law degree from the University of Minnesota. After practicing law privately, he was appointed by President Warren G. Harding to the Supreme Court in 1922. Butler was known for his conservative judicial philosophy and strong support for states' rights. During his tenure, he participated in key decisions on regulatory powers and due process under the Constitution. He remained on the bench through the early years of Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration, often dissenting from New Deal legislation. Butler's opinions helped shape American constitutional law in the early 20th century. He died in office in 1939, leaving a record of careful legal reasoning and judicial restraint.

Princess Patricia of Connaught (1886–1974) was the youngest daughter of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, and a granddaughter of Queen Victoria. She dedicated herself to charitable work, training as a nurse and serving in military hospitals during World War I. Her compassion and engagement with soldiers made her one of the most popular members of the British royal family. In 1914, she lent her name to the newly formed Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, a regiment that saw extensive service overseas. In 1919 she married Commander Alexander Ramsay and relinquished her royal style, becoming Lady Patricia Ramsay. She continued her public service through patronages and remained beloved until her death in 1974.

Born in 1912 in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Bayard Rustin became a pioneering advocate for nonviolent protest. Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi, he joined the Fellowship of Reconciliation and organized early Freedom Rides. Rustin served as an advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and played a central role in planning the March on Washington where King delivered his 'I Have a Dream' speech. Despite his leadership, Rustin faced discrimination over his sexual orientation and pacifist views. In later years, he worked on labor rights and gay rights issues, linking social justice causes. He lectured widely and wrote extensively on civil liberties. Rustin died in 1987, leaving a profound legacy in the fight for equality and justice.

Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Evers-Williams earned a degree in sociology and began her career in journalism. After the 1963 assassination of her husband, civil rights leader Medgar Evers, she dedicated herself to advancing his work and civil rights causes. She contributed to publications like Essence and Jet, highlighting issues of racial injustice. In 1995, she became the first woman elected chairperson of the NAACP, where she led initiatives on voter registration, education, and hate-crime legislation. Co-founding the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute, she works to preserve her husband's legacy and promote equality. In 2014, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her lifelong commitment to justice.

John Wayne Gacy (March 17, 1942 – May 10, 1994) was an American serial killer and rapist convicted of murdering at least 33 teenage boys and young men. Working as a building contractor, he lured his victims with promises of work or money and sexually assaulted them before killing them. Gacy buried many of his victims in the crawl space beneath his suburban Chicago home, earning him the nickname “Killer Clown” due to his performances at children’s parties. He was arrested in December 1978 after police discovered human remains at his residence. In 1980, Gacy was convicted of multiple counts of murder and sentenced to death. He spent 14 years on death row before being executed by lethal injection in 1994. Gacy’s case remains one of the most notorious crimes in American history and has been the subject of numerous books and documentaries.

Born in 1952, Barry Horne was a leading figure in the British animal rights movement, known for organizing direct action campaigns to expose animal cruelty. He undertook several high-profile hunger strikes to demand stronger legal protections for animals. Horne's activism brought national attention to animal welfare issues and inspired a generation of advocates. His dedication led to widespread debate on ethical treatment of animals in laboratories and farms. He died in 2001, leaving a lasting legacy in the fight for animal rights.

Lee Dixon is an English former professional footballer turned journalist and broadcaster. He spent the majority of his playing career as a right-back with Arsenal, winning multiple Premier League titles and FA Cups. Dixon earned 22 caps for the England national team, demonstrating defensive consistency at the highest level. After retiring, he transitioned into media work, becoming a respected pundit on Sky Sports and a columnist for national newspapers. His analysis and insights have made him a trusted voice in football commentary. Dixon also participates in charity matches and community programs.

Zachery Kouwe (born 1978) is an American journalist. Specializing in business and financial reporting, he has written for major news outlets. His articles offer clear and concise analysis of market trends. Kouwe is appreciated for translating complex financial topics for general audiences. With a focus on corporate news, he has covered significant events in the business world. His insightful reporting continues to inform readers about finance.