May 10

Joe Murphy was a volunteer in the Irish Republican Army during the Irish War of Independence. He was arrested by British authorities and interned in Cork jail. In solidarity with fellow prisoners, he joined the 1920 hunger strike protesting internment without trial. After 68 days without food, he died in prison, becoming a symbol of nationalist resistance. His death spurred international attention to the Irish independence movement.

David O. Selznick oversaw the creation of the epic 1939 film Gone with the Wind, which won ten Academy Awards including Best Picture. He founded Selznick International Pictures and produced classics like Rebecca (1940) and Duel in the Sun (1946). Known for his meticulous attention to detail and talent for star casting, Selznick worked with directors Alfred Hitchcock and George Cukor. His career influenced the golden age of Hollywood, blending artistic ambition with commercial success. Selznick's papers and archives remain vital resources for film scholars.

Raquel Blandón was born in Guatemala in 1943 and earned her law degree before dedicating herself to advocacy. As First Lady from 1986 to 1991, she launched programs to improve healthcare and education for women and children. Blandón organized community centers and orphanages across the country. She drew attention to legal protections and social services for vulnerable populations. After her tenure, she continued her legal work and activism, influencing policies on gender equality. Her dedication to human rights has had a lasting impact on Guatemalan society.

Christopher Berman joined ESPN in 1979 and became one of the network's most recognizable voices, known for his signature catchphrases and playful humor. He hosted Sunday NFL Countdown for over three decades, becoming synonymous with football broadcasting. Berman narrated countless memorable sports moments with enthusiasm and coined player nicknames that entered popular culture. He won multiple Sports Emmy Awards and helped elevate the production value of sports commentary. After stepping back from daily studio work, he continued contributing to ESPN specials and events, cementing his place in broadcasting history.

On December 8, 1980, Mark David Chapman shot and killed former Beatle John Lennon outside the Dakota apartment in New York City. Chapman, who had become obsessed with Lennon, traveled from Honolulu with a copy of The Catcher in the Rye. He surrendered at the scene and later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Chapman was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison and remains incarcerated. His crime had a profound impact on fans worldwide and continues to be a tragic moment in music history.

Vladislav Listyev rose to fame as a presenter on Soviet state television, hosting the groundbreaking news program "Vzglyad" that introduced more open discussion. In 1994, he became head of ORT (Public Russian Television) and advocated for advertising revenue to reduce government influence. Listyev's reforms reshaped Russian broadcasting and fostered a new era of journalistic independence. He was tragically assassinated in 1995, a crime that remains unsolved and is widely linked to his media reforms. Listyev's legacy endures as a testament to the dangers faced by journalists challenging entrenched power.