March 23

Marie Adam-Doerrer (1838–1908) was a leading figure in Switzerland's early women's movement, campaigning for suffrage and educational access. She co-founded women's associations and championed improved working conditions through union formation. Adam-Doerrer represented Swiss women at international congresses, influencing early feminist discourse. Her activism contributed to broader social reforms in Swiss society, particularly in labor rights. She remains celebrated as a trailblazer for gender equality and workers' advocacy.

Dietrich Eckart was a German journalist, playwright, and political activist who played a pivotal role in the early days of the National Socialist movement. Born in 1868, he co-founded the German Workers' Party in 1919, which later became known as the Nazi Party. Eckart's writings and lectures promoted nationalist and antisemitic ideas that resonated with postwar audiences. He mentored Adolf Hitler, helping to develop his public speaking style and political strategy. Despite failing health, Eckart's ideological contributions were commemorated by the Nazi regime after his death in 1923.

Joseph Boxhall was an English sailor who served as an officer in the Merchant Navy during the early 1900s. He navigated transatlantic voyages and gained a reputation for strong leadership and seamanship. Boxhall's career spanned a time of significant advancements in marine navigation and engineering. He captained several ocean-going vessels and ensured the safety of passengers and crew. His experiences reflect the challenges and innovations of maritime travel in the age of steamships. Boxhall's dedication to his profession contributed to the history of early commercial sea transport.

Sidney Hillman (1887–1946) was a Lithuanian-born American labor leader who co-founded the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America. He emigrated to the United States at age 14 and rose to prominence organizing garment workers in Chicago. Hillman played a key role in the formation of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) and served as its first chairman. During the administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt, he advised on labor policy and helped shape the New Deal’s pro-union legislation. His activism improved wages, working conditions, and labor rights for thousands of American workers. Hillman’s legacy endures in the modern American labor movement.

Madeleine de Bourbon-Busset (1898–1984) was a French noblewoman who held the title Duchess of Parma through marriage. A member of the House of Bourbon-Busset, she married Enrico d'Assia-Philippsthal-Barchfeld, Duke of Parma, in 1928. Madeleine was known for her patronage of the arts and charitable work in rural France. During World War II, she supported relief efforts for displaced families and collaborated with the Red Cross. After the war, she continued her involvement in cultural preservation and regional development. Her life blended aristocratic tradition with compassionate service to her communities.

Born Mary Evelyn Cavendish in 1915, she married George Innes-Ker and became the Duchess of Roxburghe. During World War II, she volunteered with the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, supporting the war effort. After the war, she managed the estate at Floors Castle and championed arts preservation and local charities. Her leadership in social initiatives left a lasting impact on her community. The Duchess’s life spanned nearly a century, bridging tradition and modern philanthropy.

Stanley Armour Dunham served as a sergeant in the United States Army during World War II, seeing action in Europe after the D-Day landings. After the war, he married and raised a family in Hawaii, where he worked as a furniture salesman. He became a beloved patriarch, influencing the early life of his granddaughter, Barack Obama. Dunham was known for his resilience, humor, and dedication to service. He passed away in 1992, remembered both for his military duty and family legacy.

Bette Nesmith Graham (1924–1980) was an American typist and inventor best known for creating Liquid Paper, the first widely used correction fluid. Frustrated by errors in her clerical work, she developed a quick-drying white fluid to cover mistakes and patented it in 1958. Graham founded the Mistake Out Company, later renamed Liquid Paper Corporation, and grew it into a major office supply business. She sold the company to Gillette but remained active in philanthropy. Her innovation transformed office work and cemented her legacy as a pioneering female entrepreneur.

Helmi Johannes is an Indonesian journalist and producer with a career spanning local and international media outlets. He has anchored and produced news programs covering politics, culture, and social developments in Indonesia and the wider region. Johannes has created documentary features that explore human stories and current affairs, earning recognition for his insightful reporting. Committed to journalistic integrity, he has also mentored aspiring reporters through workshops and training programs. His work has contributed to greater global awareness of Southeast Asian issues.

Born on March 23, 1971, in Montreal to a German mother and Pakistani father, Yasmeen Ghauri was discovered at 17 and quickly rose to prominence on international runways. She became a favorite of designers like Versace, Chanel, and Givenchy, gracing the covers of Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar. Ghauri was known for her distinctive features and elegant presence, contributing to the era's defining 'supermodel' movement. After a successful decade in modeling, she stepped back from the spotlight to focus on her personal life. Her influence endures as an icon of 1990s fashion.

Perez Hilton launched his celebrity gossip blog in 2005, quickly gaining attention for his candid tone and hand-drawn celebrity doodles. He became a prominent voice in pop culture, breaking news and scandals that shaped online entertainment journalism. Hilton's influence extended to television appearances and hosting duties, further broadening his reach. Despite controversies over paparazzi ethics and legal disputes, he has remained a key figure in digital media. He expanded his brand with podcasts, YouTube channels, and collaborations with music artists. Hilton's career exemplifies the evolution of blogging into a powerful medium for celebrity journalism.