April 17

Born in 1820, Alexander Cartwright was a key figure in the development of modern baseball. He helped codify the sport's first formal set of rules in New York City during the 1840s. As a volunteer firefighter, he served his community during a period of rapid urban growth. His involvement with the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club popularized organized baseball among amateur athletes. Cartwright's rulebook laid the groundwork for America's national pastime and influenced later professional leagues. He continued to advocate for the sport throughout his life, leaving a lasting legacy upon his death in 1892.

Born in 1891 in Bromberg, German Empire (now Poland), Adamski emigrated to the United States in 1923. He gained fame in the early 1950s for claiming to have made contact with friendly 'Space Brothers' from planets such as Venus and Saturn. Adamski’s accounts were published in bestselling books like 'Flying Saucers Have Landed' (1953) and 'Inside the Space Ships' (1955), complete with photographs of alleged UFOs. His vivid storytelling and charisma sparked a global UFO craze and inspired numerous contactee groups. Critics dismissed his claims as hoaxes, but Adamski remained a central figure in the development of ufology. He continued lecturing and writing until his death in 1965, cementing a controversial legacy in extraterrestrial lore.

Lester Rodney was born in New York City in 1911 and served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war, he became the pioneering sportswriter for the Daily Worker, a publication of the American Communist Party. In his column, Rodney relentlessly criticized baseball’s segregation, advocating for the inclusion of African American players long before other mainstream outlets. His advocacy contributed to pressure on Major League Baseball, paving the way for Jackie Robinson’s debut in 1947. Rodney’s fearless journalism earned him respect from civil rights activists and athletes alike. Beyond sports, he wrote about broader social justice issues, using his pen to fight inequality. He retired in 1975, leaving a legacy as a trailblazer in sports journalism and civil rights.

Harry Reasoner was born in Dakota City, Iowa, in 1923 and served as a Marine during World War II. After the war he graduated from Stanford University and began his career in journalism at Time magazine. He joined CBS News in 1961, where he covered major stories including the Kennedy assassination and the Civil Rights Movement. In 1968 he co-founded the groundbreaking news program '60 Minutes', becoming one of its original correspondents. In 1978 he moved to ABC News to anchor the network's evening news broadcast. Over his career he won multiple Emmy Awards and was known for his incisive reporting and polished delivery. Reasoner died in 1991, remembered as a pioneer of television journalism.

Kenneth Norman Jones was born in 1924 in Australia and joined the Commonwealth Public Service in the 1940s. He served as Secretary of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs from 1977 to 1983, overseeing policies affecting Indigenous Australians. From 1984 to 1986 he led the Department of Environment, guiding initiatives on conservation and resource management. In 1986 he was appointed Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, contributing to national policy coordination until his retirement in 1991. Jones was respected for his skills in public administration and policy development. He remained active as an advisor on public sector reform until his death in 2022.

Malcolm Browne (1931–2012) was an American journalist and photographer whose iconic image of the self-immolation of Thích Quảng Đức in Saigon brought global attention to the Buddhist crisis in Vietnam. Working for the Associated Press, Browne covered conflicts and political events across Asia, earning a Pulitzer Prize for his powerful photojournalism. His commitment to capturing the human impact of war influenced generations of reporters and underscored the importance of visual storytelling. Beyond his Vietnam coverage, he reported from India, Indonesia, and other regions, leaving a lasting legacy in journalism.

He established Robert Miller Gallery in 1977, showcasing emerging and established artists. His gallery became known for introducing European and American modern art to new audiences. He represented notable artists and played a key role in the contemporary art market. He curated innovative exhibitions that pushed the boundaries of traditional art galleries. Under his leadership, the gallery expanded internationally and gained critical acclaim. He supported young artists by providing them with a prestigious platform in New York. His contributions helped shape the modern art scene and foster cross-cultural exchange.

John McCririck was a prominent English horse racing journalist and broadcaster whose career spanned four decades. He wrote for The Sporting Life and starred on Channel 4 Racing, becoming a household name. Known for his flamboyant donkey jacket, towering hair, and ever-present cigar, he was a polarizing figure adored by racing fans. He authored several books on horse racing and penned diary-style reflections on his life in sports media. McCririck brought mainstream attention to horse racing with his outspoken commentary and distinctive fashion. Throughout his career, he maintained a loyal following until his retirement in the 2010s. He died in 2019, leaving a legacy as one of the sport’s most memorable voices.

Nigel Emslie, known as Lord Emslie, is a Scottish judge who has presided over significant civil cases. He studied law at the University of Edinburgh before being admitted to the Faculty of Advocates. Appointed a Senator of the College of Justice, he served in Scotland’s highest civil court, the Court of Session. Lord Emslie is respected for his clear legal reasoning and contributions to Scottish jurisprudence. He has participated in judicial committees and worked on reforms to improve court procedures. Beyond the bench, he has lectured on legal topics and mentored young advocates. His career reflects a commitment to fairness and the development of Scotland’s legal system.

Richard Field has had a distinguished career in law, serving as a judge in various courts across England. He is recognized for his fair rulings and contributions to legal scholarship. Over the decades, he presided over high-profile cases that helped shape English jurisprudence. He also mentored young lawyers and participated in legal reform initiatives. His work has been cited in numerous legal texts and continues to influence the practice of law.

Colin Tyre was admitted to the Faculty of Advocates before his appointment to the Bench. He took the judicial title Lord Tyre upon becoming a Senator of the College of Justice. As a judge, he presides over civil cases in the Court of Session and significant appeals. Lord Tyre has contributed to legal scholarship through lectures and committee work. He is recognized for his fair-minded judgments and expertise in commercial and public law.

Dame Julia Macur was born on April 17, 1957, in the United Kingdom. She was called to the Bar in 1980 and established herself as a leading barrister in family law. In 2001, she was appointed a High Court Judge in the Family Division, earning the title Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. She was promoted to the Court of Appeal in 2013, where she has adjudicated on significant appeals in civil and family law. Macur also led a major independent review into institutional child sexual abuse. Known for her legal acumen and fairness, she has contributed to key reforms in child protection. Her judgments have shaped the development of family law in the UK.