April 29

Aasa Helgesen was a dedicated Norwegian midwife who spent decades serving rural communities. Born in 1877, she received her training in Oslo before returning to her home region. She provided essential prenatal and postnatal care, often traveling long distances in all weather to reach families in isolated villages. Helgesen introduced hygiene practices and basic medical protocols that reduced maternal and infant mortality rates. She worked tirelessly to educate local women in childbirth care techniques. Her commitment laid groundwork for modern midwifery in Norway. She passed away in 1968, remembered as a pioneer of maternal health in her country.

Lin Zhao was initially a supporter of the Communist Revolution but became a vocal critic of the Anti-Rightist Campaign and the Cultural Revolution. Born in 1932, she studied journalism and joined the Communist Party before her views led to her persecution. In prison, she wrote dozens of poems and letters on toilet paper, condemning abuses of power. Her writings circulated among activists, inspiring later generations of democracy advocates in China. Lin Zhao was executed in 1968 at age 36 after refusing to recant her beliefs. Her courage and literary legacy made her a symbol of intellectual resistance. Today, she is celebrated by human rights groups as a martyr for free expression.

Born in 1932 in Chicago, Mike Royko began his journalistic career at the Chicago Daily News. His popular columns, featuring characters like Slats Grobnik, mixed humor with sharp political critique. Royko won the Pulitzer Prize for commentary in 1972 for his incisive coverage of public affairs. He authored books including Boss: Richard J. Daley of Chicago and Slats Grobnik, showcasing his narrative flair. Known for his no-nonsense style and fierce independence, Royko became a voice for the common man. His work reshaped American journalism with its blend of wit, integrity, and fearless reporting.

Born in 1936, Bob Akin emerged as a prominent American race car driver, excelling in endurance events. He claimed class wins at the 24 Hours of Daytona and became a fixture in IMSA GT competition. After retiring from racing, Akin turned to automotive journalism, writing for magazines like Road & Track. His technical expertise and firsthand experience lent credibility to his engaging motorsport stories. Recognized for his elegant driving style and analytical mind, Akin was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. He continued racing vintage cars and writing until his death in 2002.

John Henniker-Major was a British diplomat and civil servant whose career spanned over four decades. He joined the Foreign Service in the late 1930s and held senior roles in post-war Europe and the Middle East. He was known for his negotiation skills during the early Cold War, contributing to key treaties and alliances. His expertise in administrative leadership helped shape the operations of the British civil service. After retirement, he advised government bodies and wrote on international policy. His work left a lasting impact on modern British diplomacy.

Born in 1931, Siamak Pourzand served as a reporter and film critic for the Tehran newspaper Ettelaat and international media outlets. He received the CPJ International Press Freedom Award in 2001 for his courageous coverage of political repression. After the 2009 presidential election protests, he was arrested, tortured, and placed under house arrest. Despite intense pressure, he continued to document censorship and human rights abuses in Iran. He died under mysterious circumstances on April 29, 2011, leaving a lasting legacy as an outspoken advocate for press freedom.

Born in 1945, Roland Moreno invented the smart card in 1974, revolutionizing secure electronic transactions worldwide. He founded Ingenico to commercialize his invention, leading to widespread adoption of chip cards in banking, telecommunications, and identification systems. Moreno held dozens of patents related to cryptography and microchip design. His innovation laid the groundwork for modern digital security infrastructure. He died on April 29, 2012, but his legacy lives on in the billions of smart cards used daily.