March 19

Born in 1848 in Monmouth, Illinois, Wyatt Earp became a legendary figure of the American West through his career as a law enforcement officer and gambler. He served as marshal in several frontier towns, enforcing order in often lawless regions. Earp's fame rests on the 1881 Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, where he and his brothers faced the Clanton-McLaury gang in Tombstone, Arizona. After the shootout, Earp became involved in various business ventures and further gunfights during the Earp Vendetta Ride. He spent his later years in California and Alaska, capitalizing on his Wild West reputation as a consultant for silent films. Earp died in 1929, leaving behind a complex legacy as both hero and outlaw in American folklore.

Ernestine Rose was an American librarian born in 1880 who transformed library services for children. During her tenure at major public libraries, she developed the concept of the story hour, using storytelling to foster imagination and literacy. In 1918, she published "The Story Hour and Library Work for Children", a seminal guide that influenced library practices worldwide. Rose trained librarians in engaging young readers and championed the creation of dedicated children’s collections. Her innovations laid the foundation for modern children’s librarianship and educational outreach.

Appointed to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in 1957, John Sirica gained fame during the Watergate hearings of the 1970s. His persistent questioning and insistence on transparency led to the disclosure of President Nixon's White House tapes. Sirica's rulings helped uncover the depth of the Watergate cover-up, contributing to Nixon's resignation. He was praised for his commitment to judicial integrity and accountability. Throughout his career, Sirica demonstrated a fierce determination to uphold the rule of law.

As a children's librarian in San Diego, Clara Breed corresponded with Japanese American young people interned at relocation camps, sending books and news to maintain their morale. She meticulously documented their experiences and advocated for their rights, challenging wartime injustices. Breed later testified before government bodies about the abuses suffered by internees and worked to preserve primary source materials. Her efforts earned her posthumous recognition as a champion of social justice. Breed's legacy continues to inspire librarians and activists committed to equity and human rights.

Marjorie Linklater was a Scottish advocate for the arts and the environment in the Orkney Islands. Born in Scotland, she became a leading voice in campaigns to protect Orkney’s natural habitats. Linklater also championed the development of community art programs and cultural festivals across the islands. She worked closely with local organizations to secure funding for heritage conservation and ecological projects. Throughout her life, she fostered a deeper appreciation for Orkney’s heritage and inspired grassroots activism. Her legacy continues to influence environmental and cultural efforts in the region.

Henry Morgentaler was a Holocaust survivor who dedicated his life to medical ethics and women's reproductive rights. After immigrating to Canada, he established clinics providing safe, legal abortion services before it was legal. Morgentaler mounted a series of historic court challenges, culminating in the Supreme Court striking down abortion law in 1988. He faced legal battles, personal threats, and arrests, yet continued to advocate for women's health and autonomy. Morgentaler received the Order of Canada for his contributions to human rights and medical practice. He authored memoirs and public speeches articulating his commitment to social justice and personal freedom. His legacy endures in Canada's reproductive health policies and ongoing debates on medical ethics.

Sirhan Sirhan was born in Jerusalem in 1944 and immigrated to the United States with his family during his youth. On June 5, 1968, he fatally shot Senator Robert F. Kennedy at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, shortly after Kennedy's victory speech in the California presidential primary. Sirhan's motives have been debated, with some attributing political and personal factors to his actions. He was convicted of first-degree murder and has been incarcerated in California ever since. Over the decades, Sirhan has sought parole on multiple occasions, facing repeated denials amid controversy. His act of assassination remains one of the most notorious crimes in American political history.

Born in Queens, New York, Harvey Weinstein co-founded Miramax in 1979, producing landmark films such as 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Shakespeare in Love.' He later launched The Weinstein Company, earning multiple Academy Awards. In 2017, allegations of sexual harassment and assault against dozens of women led to his dismissal and criminal charges. In 2020, he was convicted of sex crimes, a case that galvanized the global #MeToo movement and reshaped industry standards for accountability. His fall from power remains a cautionary tale in Hollywood.

Born in Nottingham, Sir Ian Blair joined Greater Manchester Police in 1973 and held senior roles in South Yorkshire. In 1998 he became Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, and in 2005 was appointed Commissioner. He oversaw the Metropolitan Police during the aftermath of the 2005 London bombings and championed community policing and modernization initiatives. Blair was the first Commissioner to openly identify as gay and was knighted in 2008. After retirement, he continued to advise on security and public service reforms.

Derek Michael Chauvin served as a police officer in the Minneapolis Police Department from 2001 until 2020. His actions during the arrest of George Floyd, captured on video, led to Floyd's death and sparked global protests against police brutality and racism. In April 2021, Chauvin was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. He was sentenced to 22 years in prison, marking a landmark moment in the movement for police accountability. Chauvin's trial and conviction continue to influence discussions on law enforcement practices and criminal justice reform worldwide.