May 08

Born Princess Natalija Keșco in 1859 in Bender, Moldavia, she married Prince Milan of Serbia in 1875. As queen consort from 1882, she became known for her lavish court, philanthropic work, and support of the arts. Her marriage to King Milan I was marred by political intrigue and public scandal, leading to her exile in 1888. Natalie lived much of her later life in France, maintaining ties with European nobility and engaging in charitable causes. She never reconciled with her son, King Alexander I, and died in 1941 in Paris, remembered as a prominent but controversial royal figure. Her memoirs provide valuable insights into 19th-century Serbian court life and Balkan politics.

Doris Stokes was born in 1920 in Yorkshire, England, and rose to fame as a practicing medium in the 1950s and 1960s. She conducted public séances and spiritualist demonstrations, captivating audiences with her charismatic presence. Stokes authored popular books such as 'I Saw a Light' and 'Voices from Eternity', which detailed her alleged spirit communications. Her tours and television appearances attracted widespread attention and debate over the authenticity of her abilities. Critics challenged her claims, while supporters credited her with offering comfort to grieving individuals. She died on May 8, 1987, leaving a lasting impact on the modern spiritualist movement.

Diagnosed with HIV at age 13 from a blood transfusion, Henry Nicols became a national advocate for AIDS education and compassion. He founded the Henry Nicols Foundation to support research and understanding, speaking at schools and community events across the U.S. Nicols defied fear and discrimination, sharing his story on national television to humanize the epidemic. His efforts raised thousands of dollars for AIDS charities and inspired families affected by the disease. Nicols also worked with policymakers to improve care and confidentiality for patients. His legacy continues through programs that bear his name, honoring his dedication to social change.

Helmut Jahn (1940–2021) was a German-American architect known for his innovative designs and dynamic facades. He led the firm Murphy/Jahn (later Jahn) and created iconic buildings such as the Sony Center in Berlin and the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago. Jahn's work blended cutting-edge engineering with bold visual statements, influencing the global architectural landscape. He received the AIA Gold Medal and was a fellow of the American Institute of Architects for his visionary contributions. Over a career spanning five continents, he inspired a new generation of architects with his commitment to inventive, human-centered design.

Born in 1952 in Panama City, Ramón Fonseca Mora studied law at the University of Panama. In 1977 he co-founded Mossack Fonseca, which grew into one of the world's largest offshore legal service firms. Fonseca Mora authored the novel 'Ataos' and other works exploring Panamanian culture. His dual career bridged literature and corporate law, making him a prominent figure in Panama. In 2016, his firm was at the center of the Panama Papers leaks, sparking global debate on financial transparency. He continued practicing law, advising clients on international finance and governance. Fonseca Mora received literary awards and was a regular speaker at cultural events. He passed away on May 8, 2024, leaving a complex legacy in both law and literature.