April 07

Born around 1583 in England, Cooke traveled on the Mayflower in 1620, seeking religious freedom and new opportunities in the New World. He was one of the signers of the Mayflower Compact and contributed to the governance of the fledgling colony. Cooke established a family farm, helped draft local laws, and served the community in various civic roles. His resilience during harsh winters and cooperation with Native American neighbors aided the colony’s survival. Cooke lived to an advanced age, passing away in 1663. His descendants include numerous prominent figures in American history.

Born in 1705, Turpin began his criminal career as a butcher’s apprentice before joining a gang of Essex poachers. He later turned to highway robbery, gaining notoriety for audacious heists on the roads between London and York. Although many tales of Turpin’s bravery, including a legendary long-distance ride on his horse Black Bess, are likely fictional, they cemented his reputation in popular culture. He was captured and executed at York in 1739. Turpin’s life inspired countless ballads, novels, and films, making him one of Britain’s most enduring outlaw figures.

Karl Binding was born in 1841 and became a leading figure in late 19th-century German jurisprudence. He authored influential texts on criminal law, including comprehensive commentaries that guided judicial practice. Together with Benno Crämer, he developed a systematic approach to criminal law that emphasized social defense theory. His writings were widely used by scholars and practitioners across Europe, cementing his reputation as a pioneer in legal thought. Binding continued teaching and writing until his death in 1920, leaving a lasting impact on the study of criminal law.

Grigore Constantinescu was born in 1875 and ordained as a Romanian Orthodox priest. He founded and edited several religious journals, using the press to discuss theology and social issues. Constantinescu advocated for church reforms and the role of faith in modern society. Through articles and lectures, he bridged ecclesiastical traditions and contemporary cultural debates. His writings left a mark on Romanian religious journalism until his death in 1932.

Born in 1893, Edwin Baker recognized the need for services for the visually impaired in Canada and, in 1918, helped establish the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). Under his leadership, the CNIB grew from a small association into a nationwide organization offering education, rehabilitation, and advocacy. Baker worked tirelessly to influence public policy, promoting accessibility and social inclusion for blind Canadians. He served as an executive director and public spokesperson, traveling across the country to raise awareness and funds. Baker's vision laid the foundation for modern support systems that continue to empower visually impaired communities today.

Born in 1929 in Brooklyn, New York, Joe Gallo rose through the Profaci crime family before helping to found what became the Colombo family. Nicknamed 'Crazy Joe' for his unpredictable nature, he survived an internal mob shooting in 1957 which fueled his legendary status. During the Colombo family wars of the early 1970s, Gallo led his own faction and clashed with rival mobsters in high-profile confrontations. On April 7, 1972, he was assassinated at Umberto's Clam House in Manhattan, an event that became one of the most infamous gangland murders of the era. Gallo's life and death have inspired books and films, cementing his place in organized crime lore.

David Greene was an English-American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter born in 1921. After beginning his career on the British stage, he appeared in several films before turning to directing. Greene directed acclaimed television adaptations such as Summer of My German Soldier (1978) and Roots: The Next Generations (1979), earning multiple Emmy Awards. He also produced and wrote several of his projects, showcasing his versatile talent behind the camera. His work helped shape the golden age of American TV movies prior to his death in 2003.

Dave Arneson (1947–2009) revolutionized gaming by co-developing Dungeons & Dragons, the first tabletop role-playing game, alongside Gary Gygax in 1974. Drawing on his homegrown 'Blackmoor' campaign, he introduced concepts such as character experience points, dungeon exploration, and collaborative storytelling. This innovative framework spawned an entire industry of role-playing games, influencing video game design and popular culture. After parting ways with TSR, Arneson founded his own company, Adventure Games, and produced a series of supplements expanding the RPG genre. He also contributed to early computer game adaptations of D&D, bridging analog and digital gaming. Honored by his induction into the Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts & Design Hall of Fame, Arneson's legacy endures in every modern RPG.

Born Myron Leon Wallace in 1918 in Brookline, Massachusetts, Mike Wallace began his career in print journalism before moving to radio and television. He joined CBS News in 1957 and became an original correspondent for the newsmagazine '60 Minutes' in 1968. Wallace was renowned for his hard-hitting interview style, holding politicians, business leaders and celebrities to account. Over his decades-long career, he won numerous Emmy and Peabody awards. He authored books on journalism and spoke widely on press freedom. Wallace’s relentless pursuit of the story set a standard for broadcast journalism. He retired in 2006 and passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy as one of television’s most influential interviewers.

Les Blank was born in Tampa, Florida, in 1935 and studied filmmaking at the University of Southern California. He directed over 40 documentaries that captured the soul of American folk, blues and Cajun music, including 'The Blues Accordin' to Lightnin' Hopkins' and 'Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers.' Blank’s signature style embraced cinéma vérité, allowing subjects to reveal their lives unfiltered. His films stand out for their warmth, humor and deep respect for marginalized communities. He avoided commercial pressures, producing work independently and retaining creative control. Blank’s legacy endures in film festivals and retrospectives worldwide. He passed away in 2013, leaving a body of work admired by filmmakers and music lovers alike.

Born in 1952 in Kenya, Zeituni Onyango studied computer programming before moving to the United States. She worked on various software projects while engaging in community outreach programs. Her 2008 asylum case drew national attention to U.S. immigration policies and human rights. Onyango was also the half-sister of Barack Obama's father, connecting her story to international interest. Despite legal challenges, she continued her work in technology and social services advocacy. She passed away in 2014, remembered for her programming career and her activism. Her life highlighted the complexities of immigration, identity, and family.

Herb Stempel was an American media figure who became a household name in 1957 as the champion of the NBC game show "Twenty-One." After being secretly instructed to lose his winning streak, Stempel refused to comply and later testified in Congressional hearings investigating quiz show rigging. His testimony helped reveal widespread manipulation in television programming, leading to reforms and the downfall of several high-profile shows. Though no longer in the spotlight as a performer, he continued to work in media, including roles in local television and film. Stempel's courage in exposing corruption earned him recognition as a key figure in broadcasting history. His legacy endures through the increased transparency and integrity in television game shows.