May 01

Born in 1831 in the Greek community of Odessa, Maraslis came from a family of merchants and devoted his life to public service. He served multiple terms as mayor of Odessa, overseeing major urban improvements and social projects. A patron of education, he funded the construction of schools, libraries, and museums to promote learning and cultural exchange. Maraslis also supported healthcare by establishing hospitals and funding medical research. His generous donations extended to restoring churches and sponsoring artistic endeavors across the Russian Empire. He was honored by both Greek and Russian authorities for his contributions to civic welfare. Maraslis died in 1907, remembered as one of Odessa’s most benevolent and impactful leaders.

Princess Margaret of Connaught was born in 1882 as the daughter of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, and granddaughter of Queen Victoria. She married Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf of Sweden in 1905, becoming Crown Princess and endearing herself to the Swedish people. Margaret was known for her philanthropic work, supporting hospitals, schools, and war relief efforts during World War I. She took a keen interest in Swedish culture and helped modernize the royal court with her British sensibilities. Her personal warmth and dedication to public service made her a beloved figure both in Britain and Sweden. She died unexpectedly during a visit to Egypt in 1920, and her passing was mourned across Europe. Margaret’s legacy endures in the charitable institutions and royal traditions she helped establish.

Born Johanna Maria Magdalena Ritschel in 1901, Magda married Joseph Goebbels in 1931 and became a prominent figure in the Nazi elite. She managed the Goebbels household and supported her husband's propaganda efforts with steadfast loyalty to Hitler's vision. A hostess of high-profile Nazi functions, she embodied the regime's ideals of Aryan womanhood. As defeat loomed in 1945, Magda convinced her husband to kill their six children rather than let them live under Allied rule. On May 1, 1945, she and Joseph committed suicide in the Führerbunker, marking one of the most harrowing episodes of the Third Reich's collapse. Her story remains a chilling example of fanaticism and the human cost of extremist ideology.

Born in 1883, William Thomson Sloper worked as a stockbroker in New York before boarding the Titanic on her maiden voyage. He survived the sinking on April 15, 1912, reportedly by leaping into the sea and reaching a lifeboat, a tale that sparked debate. A photograph capturing his rescue led to criticism and legal disputes, making him a focal point of Titanic lore. Sloper testified at U.S. and British inquiries, defending his actions amid scrutiny of male passengers' conduct. He returned to his finance career, but the disaster remained his defining public identity. Sloper died in 1955, remembered both for his narrow escape and the controversies it provoked.

Charles Holden was born in 1875 and educated at the Royal College of Art and the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He pioneered modern British architecture, blending functionality with clean, geometric forms. Holden designed iconic London Underground stations on the Piccadilly and Northern lines, many still in use today. His 1906–1909 Bristol Central Library exemplifies his restrained elegance and attention to civic architecture. Beyond transit and libraries, he contributed to war memorials and housing projects between the world wars. Holden's work left a lasting mark on Britain's architectural landscape before his death in 1960.

Born in 1908, Thulani Rudolph Malcolm Howard rose to prominence as one of Mississippi's first black surgeons. He founded a successful medical practice and numerous businesses, using his platform to fight segregation. Howard provided legal and financial support in high-profile civil rights cases, including the investigation into Emmett Till's murder. As a regional leader in the NAACP, he organized voter registration drives and conferences for activists. His legacy endures as a pioneer in both medicine and the struggle for civil rights.

Born Robert Clyde Miller in 1936, he adopted the name Ben Lexcen as he pursued competitive sailing and architectural studies. Lexcen represented Australia in the 1960 Rome Olympics, earning recognition as a skilled helmsman. He later revolutionized yacht design by creating the winged keel that gave Australia II victory in the 1983 America's Cup, ending a 132-year winning streak. His innovative solutions and engineering expertise transformed competitive sailing. Lexcen established a marine design firm and continued to develop groundbreaking racing yachts until his death in 1988.

Born in 1896, Richard Thorpe began his career in silent films before joining MGM in the 1930s. Over six decades, he directed more than 180 films across genres including musicals, swashbucklers, and comedies. Notable works include 'Ivanhoe,' 'Knights of the Round Table,' and several Tarzan adventures. As a reliable studio director, he was known for his efficiency and ability to deliver high-quality entertainment on time and on budget. Thorpe also contributed to screenplays and polished scripts, leaving a lasting mark on the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Born in 1935 in Wabbaseka, Arkansas, Eldridge Cleaver rose to prominence as a co-founder of the Black Panther Party. His 1968 memoir Soul on Ice offered a raw critique of race relations and became a seminal text in the civil rights movement. As Minister of Information for the Panthers, he advocated for Black empowerment and challenged systemic racism. After a period of exile and legal troubles, Cleaver embraced conservative politics in later years, a controversial shift that garnered national attention. He wrote several more books, including Soul on Fire, exploring his personal and political transformations. Cleaver taught at universities and spoke widely on issues of race and justice. He died in 1998, leaving behind a complex and enduring legacy as both revolutionary and renegade.