April 20

Born in Hove in 1798, Tite trained under architect David Laing before establishing his own practice. He won the competition to design the Royal Exchange in London, completed in 1844. A proponent of the Gothic revival, he restored churches and designed railway stations across England. Tite served as President of the Royal Institute of British Architects from 1856 to 1859. He was also a Member of Parliament, blending architectural expertise with public service. His designs left a lasting imprint on Victorian London's urban landscape until his death in 1873.

Born in 1827 in London, Burges was a leading figure in the Gothic Revival movement. He designed iconic structures including Cardiff Castle and Castell Coch for the Marquess of Bute. Burges integrated elaborate furnishings, stained glass, and decorative motifs into his architectural vision. His commitment to craftsmanship and medieval aesthetics set new standards for Victorian design. Beyond buildings, he created furniture, metalwork, and art objects admired for their detail. He died in 1881, leaving a rich legacy celebrated by architects and design enthusiasts.

Born in 1981 in Denver, Colorado, Rachel Joy Scott was a student at Columbine High School known for her kindness and artistic talent. She was among the first to be killed during the tragic shootings on April 20, 1999. Scott’s writings and school projects revealed her strong Christian faith and desire to help others. In the aftermath of her death, her diary entries inspired the Rachel's Challenge program, promoting kindness in schools across the United States. Her story became a symbol of hope and the transformative power of forgiveness. The Rachel's Challenge organization continues her legacy through anti-bullying and compassion initiatives. Scott’s life and writings have influenced millions, making her a lasting figure of positive change.

Born Cassandra Bernall in 1981, she was a senior at Columbine High School with a passion for music and writing. On April 20, 1999, Bernall was tragically killed in the school shootings, and initial reports claimed she had affirmed her faith when asked by a gunman. Though later disputed, this story inspired many and became central to debates on religious conviction and martyrdom. Bernall’s family established the Cassie Bernall Foundation to encourage faith and charitable work among young people. Her journals and writings reflected her deep spirituality and commitment to helping others. The book "She Said Yes: The Unlikely Martyrdom of Cassie Bernall" recounts her life and the impact of her story. Bernall’s legacy persists in youth ministry and faith-based outreach programs.

Dorothy Height served as president of the National Council of Negro Women from 1957 to 1998, expanding its influence on social justice issues. She worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr., Benjamin Hooks, and other leaders in the struggle for desegregation and voting rights. Height chaired President Kennedy’s Commission on the Status of Women, advocating policies to combat gender discrimination. Her initiatives included youth mentoring programs and campaigns against poverty in urban communities. In recognition of her lifelong service, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2004. Height’s legacy endures through numerous educational and civic institutions bearing her name.

Tim Hetherington studied film and photography at the Rhode Island School of Design before embarking on a career as a war correspondent. He covered conflicts in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Afghanistan, capturing intimate portraits of soldiers and civilians. In 2010, he co-directed 'Restrepo', a documentary about a U.S. platoon in Afghanistan, which was nominated for an Academy Award. Hetherington co-founded the Frontline Club in London, a hub for journalists and documentary filmmakers. His work was recognized with multiple World Press Photo awards highlighting both the brutality of war and human resilience. He was killed by mortar fire while covering the Libyan civil war in 2011, leaving behind a powerful photographic legacy.