May 18

Maria Barbara Carillo remains a little-known figure remembered as one of the last individuals condemned by the Spanish Inquisition. Historical records indicate she was accused of holding unorthodox religious beliefs during a time of intense persecution. Details of her trial and personal life are scarce, reflecting the Inquisition's secretive procedures. Executed in 1721, her death symbolizes the continuing impact of religious intolerance in early 18th-century Spain. Carillo's case has drawn academic interest as scholars examine the final phase of the Inquisition. She died in Seville after enduring imprisonment and interrogation. Today, her story serves as a reminder of the human cost of forced conformity.

Elijah Craig was born in Virginia in 1738 and became a pioneering Baptist preacher in Pennsylvania and later Kentucky. He founded one of Kentucky's first towns and established a school for frontier families. Craig is often credited with inventing Bourbon whiskey by aging distilled corn spirit in charred oak barrels, a process that created its distinctive flavor. His distillery and ministry helped shape early American frontier culture. Craig's blend of religious leadership, education, and innovation earned him recognition as the "Father of Bourbon." He died in 1808, but his legacy endures in America's favorite spirit.

Mary McLeod Bethune was a trailblazing educator and activist who championed African American rights. Born in 1875 to former slaves, she overcame poverty to graduate from Scotia Seminary. In 1904, she founded the Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute, which later became Bethune-Cookman University. Bethune served as a close advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, influencing New Deal policies for Black Americans. She founded the National Council of Negro Women to unite and empower Black women across the United States. Bethune was renowned for her eloquence, fundraising prowess, and unwavering commitment to education. Her legacy endures through the institutions she established and her impact on civil rights and education.

On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens unleashed a cataclysmic eruption that claimed the lives of renowned photographer Reid Blackburn and USGS volcanologist David A. Johnston. Blackburn, aged 30, was on assignment for National Geographic when he captured some of the last images of the volcano's explosive power. Johnston, famed for his research on volcanic ash and lateral blasts, had been stationed at an observation post on the volcano's flank to monitor seismic activity. His final radio transmission, Vancouver, Vancouver, this is it, has become emblematic of volcanic research risks. Their work significantly advanced the understanding of volcanic precursors and hazards, spurring improvements in eruption forecasting and public safety protocols. The loss of Blackburn and Johnston underscored the inherent dangers faced by scientists and photojournalists in the field. Today, memorials at Mount St. Helens honor their contributions to volcanology and photojournalism, inspiring future researchers and storytellers.

Mahdi Amel (1936–1987), born Mahdi Ayyad, was a Lebanese journalist, poet, and academic known for his Marxist activism and literary contributions. He studied sociology and political science in Beirut and Paris, where he embraced revolutionary ideas. Amel founded the magazine Al-Tali'a to promote leftist perspectives and critiqued colonialism and authoritarianism in the Middle East. His poetry blended political conviction with lyrical depth, earning him respect among Arab intellectuals. As a professor at the Lebanese University, he mentored a generation of scholars and activists. Amel’s critiques of social inequality and imperialism made him a polarizing figure in Lebanon’s turbulent political landscape. He was assassinated in Beirut on May 18, 1987, his death attributed to political violence. Today, his writings continue to inspire debates on freedom, justice, and the role of literature in social change.

Dorothy Helen Ruth Pirone (1921–1989) was an American horse breeder and writer, and the only surviving daughter of baseball legend Babe Ruth. Growing up in the shadow of her father's fame, she developed a passion for equestrian life and established herself in the Thoroughbred racing community. Dorothy married John Pirone, and together they ran a successful breeding and training operation in Virginia. She authored memoirs detailing her unique upbringing and her experiences in the horse racing world. Her books provide an intimate glimpse into the family life of one of America's greatest sports figures. Beyond her writing, Ruth was active in charitable causes and supported youth equestrian programs. She continued her equine pursuits until her death in 1989. Today, her memoirs and contributions to horse breeding preserve the legacy of both her father and her own accomplishments.

Born in 1942, Montiel pursued a career in law that led to his appointment as a judge in Spain’s National Court. He presided over significant criminal cases and was respected for his strict adherence to the rule of law. Montiel’s judgments contributed to the development and modernization of Spanish jurisprudence. He maintained a reputation for integrity and fairness throughout his tenure on the bench. He passed away in 2008, leaving a legacy within the Spanish judicial community.

Born in 1927 in Derbyshire, England, Oakley joined the Raleigh Bicycle Company in the early 1950s as a design engineer. In 1969, he led the development of the Raleigh Chopper, featuring a distinctive extended frame and high-rise handlebars. The Chopper became a 1970s cultural phenomenon, capturing the imagination of young riders worldwide. Oakley’s design blended motorcycle aesthetics with bicycle functionality, setting new trends in industrial design. Throughout his career, he contributed to multiple Raleigh models, earning respect as a visionary designer. He passed away in 2012, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of bicycle innovation.

Born in 1959 in Sverdlovsk, Balabanov began his career as a film critic before transitioning to directing in the early 1990s. His breakthrough came with the gritty crime drama 'Brother' (1997), which became a cult classic and launched actor Sergei Bodrov Jr.’s career. Balabanov’s films explored post-Soviet realities with dark humor and stark realism, as seen in works like 'Brother 2' and 'Cargo 200'. He founded the Fifth Corner Film Festival in Saint Petersburg to promote independent Russian cinema. Known for his uncompromising vision and narrative style, Balabanov influenced a new generation of filmmakers. He passed away in 2013, leaving a profound impact on modern Russian cinema.

Austin Eubanks survived the 1999 Columbine High School shooting and later struggled with opioid addiction after treating his injuries. He turned his personal battle into advocacy, speaking at schools, government agencies, and rehabilitation centers to warn about the dangers of addiction. Eubanks co-founded a recovery community organization, sharing his story to inspire others toward healing. His candid discussions on mental health, trauma, and resilience resonated with audiences nationwide. He passed away in 2019, leaving behind a powerful message of hope and perseverance.

Reid Blackburn was a photographer and reporter for The Columbian newspaper in Vancouver, Washington. He had a passion for capturing the power of nature through his lens. On May 18, 1980, he traveled to Mount St. Helens to photograph the volcano's activity. Blackburn was killed in the eruption, becoming one of its first recorded casualties. His photographs provided critical visual evidence of the eruption's force and aftermath. He is remembered for his dedication to photojournalism and his contributions to volcanic studies.