May 07

Born the daughter of King Frederick William II of Prussia, Princess Frederica Charlotte married Charles Augustus, Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach in 1785. She became known for her support of poets and philosophers, fostering the cultural environment of Weimar. Her patronage attracted figures like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller to the court. Despite a strained marriage and no surviving children, she remained influential in artistic circles. After her husband's death, she withdrew from public life but continued her cultural pursuits. Frederica Charlotte's legacy endures through her contributions to the Weimar Classicism movement.

Mary Eliza Mahoney (1845–1926) was the first African American licensed professional nurse in the United States. She graduated from the New England Hospital for Women and Children's nursing program in 1879. Mahoney co-founded the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses and championed nursing education for African Americans. She worked tirelessly to improve healthcare access and fought against racial discrimination in the profession. Mahoney's advocacy extended to women's rights, and she was an active suffragist. Her legacy paved the way for generations of minority nurses and advanced equality in American healthcare.

Born in 1891 in Scotland, McShane trained as an engineer before dedicating his life to labor and social activism. He became a prominent voice in trade unions, fighting for fair wages and safer working conditions. Drawing on his technical expertise, he highlighted the challenges faced by industrial workers. Throughout major social and political shifts in 20th-century Britain, he remained outspoken on issues of social justice. McShane's commitment to the labor movement endured until his death in 1988, leaving a legacy of principled advocacy.

Born in Arkansas, Dorothy Sunrise Lorentino dedicated her life to improving educational opportunities for Native American students. She worked in rural schools across Oklahoma and Arizona, implementing culturally responsive teaching methods. Lorentino developed bilingual curricula and mentored generations of indigenous teachers. Her advocacy extended to policy advising on tribal education programs. Recognized for her service, she received awards from educational and indigenous organizations. Her legacy endures in ongoing efforts to incorporate Native American perspectives in public education.

Sir Michael Hopkins was a leading figure in British architecture, co-founding Hopkins Architects in 1976. His work is characterized by a blend of technological innovation and craftsmanship, often featuring exposed steel and glass structures. Notable projects include the Rothschild Bank headquarters in London, the Glyndebourne Opera House refurbishment, and the Mound Stand at Lord's Cricket Ground. Hopkins received numerous awards, including the RIBA Gold Medal and Stirling Prize nominations. His designs emphasized sustainability and integration with the surrounding environment. Through teaching and lectures, Hopkins influenced a generation of architects worldwide.

Born on May 7, 1950, in Buffalo, New York, Tim Russert graduated from John Carroll University and earned a law degree from Cleveland–Marshall College of Law. He joined NBC News in 1984 and became Washington Bureau Chief in 1990. Russert took over as moderator of Meet the Press in 1991, becoming the show’s longest-serving host and earning acclaim for his rigorous political interviews. He died suddenly from a heart attack in 2008, leaving a legacy as one of America’s most respected political journalists.

Amy Heckerling is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter whose witty, character-driven comedies have captured youthful rebellion and social satire. Born in The Bronx, New York, in 1954, she studied at the American Film Institute and made her feature debut with Fast Times at Ridgemont High in 1982. She achieved her greatest commercial success with Clueless in 1995, a modern adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma. Known for her sharp dialogue and keen social observations, Heckerling’s work has influenced generations of teen comedies. She has also produced and written for film and television, mentoring new talent and championing female-driven storytelling.

Nicholas Hytner is an English director and producer whose innovative approach revitalized British theatre during his tenure as Artistic Director of the National Theatre from 2003 to 2015. Born in 1956, he studied history at Cambridge before directing acclaimed productions such as The History Boys and The Madness of King George. Hytner transitioned to film, directing movies like The Lady in the Van and The Girl in the Café, noted for their emotional depth and visual style. His work bridges stage and screen, emphasizing collaboration and fresh interpretations of classic and contemporary texts. He continues to produce and direct, shaping the theatrical landscape and mentoring emerging artists.

Martin Bryant is the Australian convicted mass murderer who carried out the Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania in 1996. Over the course of the attack, he killed 35 people and wounded 23 others, profoundly impacting Australian gun laws. He was apprehended the following day and later sentenced to 35 life sentences plus additional years without parole. The tragedy led to sweeping national firearms reforms and remains a somber moment in Australia's history. Bryant is incarcerated at Risdon Prison, where he remains under strict security measures.

Jimmy Donaldson, known online as MrBeast, launched his YouTube channel in 2012 at age 13. He gained fame for viral challenge videos and generous giveaways. MrBeast has organized philanthropic campaigns such as Team Trees and Team Seas, raising millions for environmental causes. His videos often feature elaborate stunts, competitions, and large cash prizes. He founded MrBeast Burger and Feastables, expanding into the restaurant and snack markets. With over 100 million subscribers, he is one of the most influential creators on the platform.