May 22

Princess Elizabeth of the United Kingdom (1770–1840) was the seventh child of King George III and Queen Charlotte. Beloved for her wit and vivacious personality, she was often called “Eliza” in family correspondence. A keen equestrian and animal lover, she actively campaigned against animal mistreatment at a time when such views were uncommon. Although denied a dynastic marriage, her independent spirit led her to champion philanthropic causes. Her letters and diaries offer a unique insight into royal life during the Regency era.

Sir Aston Webb (1849–1930) was an eminent English architect renowned for his monumental public buildings. He designed the principal facade of Buckingham Palace, Admiralty Arch, and the main building of the Victoria & Albert Museum. Webb served as President of the Royal Academy and the Royal Institute of British Architects, influencing architectural education and standards. His work combined classical elegance with modern functionality, leaving a lasting imprint on London's cityscape. Webb's legacy endures through his enduring contributions to British architecture and civic design.

Abbott was a prominent member of the women's suffrage movement in Scotland during the early 20th century. She organized rallies and authored articles advocating for equal voting rights and legal equality. As a feminist writer, she explored issues of gender and labor in her essays and speeches. Abbott collaborated with leading suffragists, contributing to the local and national push for the Representation of the People Act. Her dedication to social reform extended beyond suffrage, addressing education and welfare for women and children.

Bernard Shaw (1940–2022) was a pioneering American broadcast journalist who became the first chief anchor and managing editor of CNN News at its 1980 launch. He guided live coverage of major global events, including the Gulf War, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and multiple presidential elections. Known for his calm demeanor and incisive questioning, Shaw set the standard for 24-hour news reporting. Prior to CNN, he reported for CBS and ABC, earning a reputation for fairness and depth. After retiring in 2001, he continued to contribute to international affairs commentary and was honored with Emmy Awards for his trailblazing work in cable news.

Theodore John Kaczynski (1942–2023) was an American mathematician and former university professor who became infamous as the "Unabomber." After earning a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and lecturing at UC Berkeley, he withdrew to a remote cabin in Montana and began a series of letter bombs targeting universities and airlines. His attacks killed three people and injured over twenty before his arrest in 1996. Kaczynski's 35,000-word manifesto, "Industrial Society and Its Future," was published by The New York Times and Washington Post in 1995 under threat of continued attacks. Convicted in 1998, he spent the remainder of his life in federal prison, prompting discussions on domestic terrorism, media ethics, and the effects of ideology.

Richard Oakes (1942–1972) was a Mohawk educator and civil rights leader who emerged as a pivotal figure in the Red Power movement. While a student at San Francisco State University, he helped organize the 1969 occupation of Alcatraz Island, drafting a set of demands aimed at securing land rights and educational reforms for Native Americans. The occupation, which lasted until 1971, brought international attention to Indigenous sovereignty and inspired subsequent activism. Oakes later worked on initiatives to improve education and cultural preservation for Native youth before his tragic death in 1972. His leadership and vision continue to influence Indigenous rights campaigns today.

Betty Williams (1943–2020) was a social worker whose humanitarian efforts during the Troubles in Northern Ireland earned her global recognition. After witnessing a tragic incident in Belfast, she joined Mairead Corrigan to establish the Peace People movement, advocating nonviolent solutions and mass community marches. Their campaign organized thousands to call for an end to sectarian violence and led educational programs promoting reconciliation. At 33, Williams became one of the youngest recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1976 for her courageous activism. She later continued her work through lectures, charity initiatives, and publications, focusing on conflict resolution worldwide. Her legacy remains a powerful testament to grassroots peacebuilding.

Born in 1951 in Rochester, New York, Kenneth Bianchi entered criminal infamy as one half of the Hillside Strangler duo alongside his cousin Angelo Buono Jr. Between 1977 and 1978, the pair abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered ten women and girls in Los Angeles. Bianchi's capture in 1979 followed from his arrest in Washington state for attempting to strangle a student, leading investigators to connect him to the LA killings. He was convicted of multiple counts of murder and rape and sentenced to life imprisonment. His case remains one of the most chilling examples of serial crime in American history.

Born in 1954 in Minneapolis and of Hunkpapa Lakota heritage, Barbara May Cameron dedicated her life to advocating for human rights across multiple communities. She co-founded the Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center in Minneapolis and worked for the American Indian Movement, focusing on issues of sovereignty and cultural preservation. Cameron's activism extended to health care equity and AIDS education within Indigenous populations. She authored influential essays on identity and social justice, bridging gaps between Native American and LGBTQ civil rights movements. Her legacy continues to inspire activists working at the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality.

Jay Carney is an American journalist who began his career at The New York Times and Time magazine, where he served as Washington bureau chief. He later worked as Newsweek's Washington bureau chief before joining the White House staff in 2009. In 2011, he was appointed as the 29th Press Secretary under President Barack Obama, becoming the administration's chief spokesman. During his tenure, he managed communications during major events such as the Arab Spring and the Sandy Hook shooting. After leaving the White House in 2014, Carney transitioned to the private sector, serving as Vice President of Global Corporate Affairs at Amazon.

Naomi Campbell rose to international fame as part of the original 'supermodel' generation, walking for top designers such as Versace, Chanel, and Prada. She was one of the first black models to appear on the covers of prestigious publications like Vogue and Time. Campbell has launched her own fashion and beauty lines and appeared in films, television, and music videos. She is also known for her charitable work, supporting causes such as children's rights and disaster relief. In 2005, she founded the charity Fashion for Relief, raising millions for global crises. Her enduring presence on the runway and commitment to philanthropy have cemented her status as a fashion icon.

Erin McNaught gained national attention as a contestant on Australian Idol in 2006 and was subsequently crowned Miss Australia. She transitioned into acting with her role as Sienna Cammeniti on the long-running soap opera Neighbours. In addition to her screen work, McNaught has appeared in fashion magazines and walked international runways. She has also hosted television and radio programs, showcasing her versatility beyond modelling. Her career highlights reflect a successful crossover from music reality TV to the worlds of fashion and drama.