March 30

Born in 1757, Georgiana Cavendish became Duchess of Devonshire at age 17 and quickly emerged as a leading figure in English high society. She championed the Whig party, campaigning and hosting salons that brought intellectuals and politicians together. An avid writer, her letters and memoirs provide insight into 18th-century politics and culture. Georgiana was also a celebrated fashion icon whose style set trends across Europe. She engaged in philanthropic work and advocated for social causes such as prison reform. Her vibrant personality and public life continued until her death in 1806, leaving a lasting legacy on British society.

Born George Bryan Brummell in 1778, he rose to prominence as the arbiter of men's fashion during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.\nRenowned for his impeccable style, he popularized understated elegance, tailored coats, and pristine linen.\nHis friendship with the Prince Regent cemented his influence at the highest social circles.\nBrummell's emphasis on cleanliness, fit, and simplicity revolutionized men's attire, leading to the modern suit.\nFinancial troubles and mounting debts forced him into exile in France, where he spent his final years.\nHe died in Calais in 1840, remembered as the father of dandyism and a lasting style icon.

John Auden was born in 1894 in England and pursued a career in law after graduating from Oxford. He served as a solicitor and later held the office of deputy coroner, overseeing inquests with meticulous care. During World War I, he joined the Territorial Army, balancing legal duties with military service. Auden was known for his integrity, calm demeanor, and dedication to both civic and military responsibilities. He was also the brother of famed poet W.H. Auden and supported his sibling's early literary endeavors.

Gabriel Heatter began his broadcasting career in the early 1930s and became one of the most recognizable voices on American radio.\nHe provided daily news updates during critical moments of World War II, offering listeners reliable information and hope.\nHeatter's signature catchphrase, 'There's good news tonight,' became a hallmark of his optimistic style.\nIn addition to war reporting, he covered political events, sports, and entertainment, showcasing his versatility as a commentator.\nHis ability to remain calm and engaging under pressure earned him awards and a loyal following.\nHe continued broadcasting into the 1950s and influenced future generations of radio and TV news personalities.

Born in 1901 in Australia, Bridges sailed to the United States as a merchant seaman in the 1920s. He emerged as a key figure in the 1934 West Coast longshore strike, leading to the formation of the ILWU. Under his leadership, the union secured improved wages, safety standards, and benefits for dockworkers. Bridges faced numerous deportation hearings and allegations of communist ties but remained committed to labor unity. He served as president of the ILWU for over four decades, retiring in 1977. His lifelong activism reshaped labor relations and inspired future generations of union organizers.

Born in Oakland, California, in 1919 to Japanese immigrant parents, Korematsu defied internment orders in 1942. He was arrested and convicted for refusing relocation but fought his case to the U.S. Supreme Court. In Korematsu v. United States (1944), the Court controversially upheld his conviction. Decades later, new evidence led to his conviction being overturned in 1983. He continued to advocate for civil liberties and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998. Korematsu passed away in 2005, and his legacy remains a symbol of resistance to injustice.

Dith Pran was born in 1942 and survived the Cambodian genocide, an ordeal he documented through powerful photography. After escaping to the United States, he became a staff photographer for The New York Times, capturing images of refugees and human rights crises. His story inspired the film The Killing Fields, broadening awareness of Cambodia’s history. Pran later campaigned for survivor recognition and genocide education. His work earned him and his colleagues a Pulitzer Prize in 1972 and solidified his legacy as a witness to history.

Born in 1930 in Bolivia, Jaime Escalante immigrated to the United States and began teaching at Garfield High School in East Los Angeles. He introduced a rigorous mathematics curriculum and motivated students to excel on AP exams. His achievements were dramatized in the film Stand and Deliver, spotlighting his dedication and teaching philosophy. Escalante won the Presidential Medal for Excellence in Education and inspired countless educators. His legacy endures in programs that encourage underserved students to pursue STEM fields.

Born in 1930 in Brooklyn, New York, Liddy graduated from West Point before joining the FBI and later serving as counsel to President Nixon. He masterminded the Watergate break-in in 1972, an event that led to the resignation of President Nixon. Convicted of burglary, conspiracy, and refusing to testify, Liddy served four and a half years in prison. After his release, he reinvented himself as a conservative radio talk show host and published several books. Known for his trademark handlebar mustache and unapologetic persona, he remained a controversial figure in American politics. Liddy died in 2021, his name forever linked with one of the most notorious political scandals in U.S. history.