May 05

Born in 1684 into the d’Aubigné family, Françoise Charlotte was the niece of Madame de Maintenon, second wife of King Louis XIV. In 1698, she married Adrien Maurice de Noailles, uniting her with one of France’s foremost aristocratic families. She managed the Noailles estates and played a significant role in court society during the final years of Louis XIV’s reign. Françoise Charlotte was known for her patronage of religious institutions and charitable works in Paris and Normandy. Her marriage produced several children who continued the Noailles family’s prominence in military and diplomatic service. She died in 1739, remembered for her connections to the royal court and contributions to French high society.

Born to Polish immigrant parents in Michigan, Czolgosz became radicalized after being influenced by anarchist writings. He believed President McKinley symbolized oppression and shot him at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo. Arrested immediately, he was tried, convicted, and executed by electric chair just weeks later. His act shocked the nation and prompted stricter security measures for public figures. Historians continue to debate his motives and mental state.

James Beard was a pioneer in American gastronomy, promoting regional ingredients and home-style cooking. He authored over 20 influential cookbooks that remain classics in culinary literature. Beard hosted cooking shows on radio and television, bringing professional techniques to domestic kitchens. He founded the James Beard Culinary Council to support and recognize culinary excellence in the United States. Beard's advocacy for fresh, locally sourced ingredients helped shape modern farm-to-table movements. The prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards continue his legacy by honoring innovation and quality in the culinary arts.

Born in Poland in 1922, Irene Gut Opdyke moved to Vilnius and trained as a nurse. During World War II she worked as a housekeeper for a Nazi major in Poland, using her position to smuggle Jews to safety. Opdyke provided forged documents, hid families in her apartment, and arranged escape routes, saving over a dozen lives. After the war, she emigrated to the United States and shared her story through lectures and her memoir "In My Hands." In 1992 she was honored as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem. Opdyke's bravery and humanitarian efforts continue to inspire generations. She passed away in 2003, leaving a legacy of compassion and courage.

Bernard Pivot was born in Lyon, France, and began his career as a newspaper journalist before transitioning to television in the 1970s. He launched “Apostrophes” in 1975, a groundbreaking literary talk show that brought authors and intellectuals to a wide audience until 1990. Pivot later hosted “Bouillon de culture,” expanding his format to cover broader cultural and artistic topics. His refined interviewing style and deep knowledge of literature made him a trusted voice in French media. He founded the Bernard Pivot Literary Prize to recognize and support emerging authors. Pivot was awarded the Légion d’honneur for his contributions to French culture and media. He passed away in 2024, leaving a lasting impact on literary journalism and cultural discourse.

Ray Gosling began his career in local journalism before becoming a familiar face on British television documentaries. He used his platform to highlight underrepresented communities and campaigned passionately for the rights of the elderly, LGBTQ individuals, and the homeless. Gosling authored several books mixing memoir with social commentary, drawing on his own experiences from Nottingham. His work often challenged authority, reflecting his dedication to giving voice to the marginalized. Throughout his life, he remained committed to honest storytelling and grassroots activism.

Ignacio Ramonet began his career in print journalism before becoming editor-in-chief of the influential French newspaper Le Monde diplomatique. He has authored seminal works on media theory, globalization, and geopolitics, including 'The Torture of Images' and 'Empire of the Image'. Ramonet's research blends academic rigor with clear prose, making complex topics accessible to a broad readership. He has lectured at universities worldwide and founded media studies programs. His work critiques corporate journalism and advocates for media democracy. Ramonet's insights have shaped discussions on information power in the digital age.

Born in 1959, Brian Williams joined NBC News in 1993 and covered major events such as the Iraq War and Hurricane Katrina. He became the managing editor and anchor of NBC Nightly News in 2004, a position he held until 2015. Williams won multiple Emmy Awards for his in-depth reporting and interviews with world leaders. After a brief leave of absence, he returned to MSNBC to host The 11th Hour with Brian Williams. He is noted for his calm delivery and insightful analysis of international affairs.

Born in 1963, Simon Rimmer is a self-taught chef who co-founded the Greens restaurant in Manchester. He gained national fame as a television presenter on shows like Something for the Weekend and Sunday Brunch. Rimmer has authored cookbooks including The Accidental Vegetarian and Good Mood Food, sharing his passion for healthy, flavourful dishes. He continues to inspire home cooks through his media appearances and restaurant ventures.

Alexis Sinduhije is an investigative journalist who founded Burundi's first independent human rights organization, the Burundi Human Rights Initiative, in 2003. Born in southern Burundi, he became a vocal critic of authoritarian rule and has faced threats and arrests for his activism. He later entered politics as the leader of the Union for National Progress, campaigning for democratic reform. Sinduhije's work has earned international recognition and support from global human rights groups. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to promoting freedom of the press and protecting civil liberties in Burundi.

Vanessa Bryant gained recognition through her philanthropic work and modeling career after becoming involved in various charitable initiatives. She co-founded the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation and later launched the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation to support youth sports programs. Bryant has used her platform to raise awareness for causes such as cancer research and women's sports, partnering with organizations to expand opportunities for underprivileged children. As a former model, she has appeared in various campaigns, blending her advocacy with her professional pursuits. Her resilience and dedication to community empowerment have made her a respected figure beyond her celebrity status.