May 19

Ahmet Ağaoğlu was born in 1869 in Shusha, then part of the Russian Empire, and later pursued education in Istanbul. He emerged as a leading intellectual and wrote extensively on political reform, nationalism, and women's rights. Ağaoğlu was active in the Young Turk movement and contributed to several newspapers, advocating modernization and constitutional governance. After relocating to the newly formed Republic of Turkey, he continued to influence public opinion through his essays and public speeches. His writings helped define the early ideological foundations of modern Turkey. He died on May 19, 1939, remembered as a key figure in Turkish intellectual history.

Albert Kivikas (1898-1978) was a prominent Estonian-Swedish journalist and author. Over his career, he wrote for major Swedish newspapers and magazines, highlighting the struggles and culture of Estonian emigrant communities. As an author, he published novels and essays that combined journalistic detail with literary style. His writing shed light on themes of exile, identity, and cultural heritage. Kivikas’s legacy endures as an important voice in the literature of the Estonian diaspora.

Born Jacqueline Bouvier, she married Senator John F. Kennedy in 1953 and became First Lady in 1961 at the age of 31. In the White House, she led a major restoration of the historic rooms and promoted American arts and culture through televised tours. After President Kennedy’s assassination, she authored articles and served as an editor at Viking Press and Doubleday, shaping public tastes in literature. Onassis remained active in historic preservation, playing a key role in saving Grand Central Terminal in New York City. Her grace, style, and cultural advocacy left a lasting impact on American public life.

Born in 1933, he began his legal career after earning his law degree. He served as a judge on the Connecticut Superior Court before his appointment to the Connecticut Supreme Court. Known for his integrity and commitment to judicial reform, he presided over key cases impacting family and civil law. After retiring from the bench, he lectured at local law schools and remained active in legal circles. He passed away in 2013.

Born in 1940 in Canada, he began his journalism career as a reporter before rising to become editor-in-chief of national publications. He later served as leader of the Libertarian Party of Canada, advocating for individual liberty and free markets. Throughout his life, he was known for his sharp editorial voice and commitment to press freedom. After his political tenure, he continued to write opinion columns and mentor young journalists. He passed away in 2013.

Morley Safer (1931–2016) was a Canadian-American journalist and war correspondent, best known for his fifty-year tenure at CBS News' '60 Minutes'. He joined the program in 1970, delivering influential reports from Vietnam, the Middle East, and domestic America. Safer's groundbreaking coverage of the Vietnam War challenged official narratives and earned him multiple Emmy Awards. His investigative reporting on social issues and public figures shaped public perception and journalistic standards. Known for his calm demeanor and thorough research, Safer became a trusted voice in broadcast journalism. His commitment to uncovering truth cemented his legacy as one of television's most respected reporters.