May 27

Born in 1848 in Rajahmundry, Kandukuri Veeresalingam emerged as a pioneering Telugu writer and reformer. He campaigned vigorously for widow remarriage and female education in a society resistant to change. In 1874, he founded the journal Viveka Vardhini to spread progressive ideas among the Telugu-speaking public. His literary works blended eloquent prose with calls for social justice. Veeresalingam's efforts laid the groundwork for subsequent women's rights movements in India. He is celebrated as the father of the Telugu renaissance for his dual impact on literature and reform.

Joseph Roth was born in 1894 in Brody, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He served as a journalist during World War I before turning to fiction. His best-known novel, The Radetzky March, depicts the decline of imperial Austria with lyrical prose and keen insight. Exiled in Paris during the 1930s, Roth continued writing novels and essays on displacement and identity. His works have been celebrated for their elegiac style and deep empathy for a lost world. Roth's tragic death in 1939 marked the end of a literary voice that poignantly captured the interwar era.

Arseny Ivanovich Tarkovsky was a Russian poet and translator born in 1907 who became known for his introspective and evocative poetry. His collections, including 'Before Snow' and 'Year of Birth', explored themes of memory, nature, and human experience. Tarkovsky also translated French and other European literature into Russian, enriching Soviet literary culture. As the father of filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky, he influenced a generation of artists with his devotion to art and spirituality. His literary style blended classical Russian forms with modern sensibilities, earning him a respected place in 20th-century letters. He died on May 27, 1989.

Carol Anne O'Marie (1933–2009) was an American Roman Catholic nun and prolific author. She spent decades teaching and serving her community while writing novels and articles that blended mystery and spirituality. Her most notable works include a series of cozy mysteries featuring a nun detective protagonist. O'Marie’s writings offered readers a unique perspective on faith, morality, and everyday life. Through her books and essays, she inspired many to explore deeper questions of belief and purpose.

Gil Scott-Heron (1949–2011) was an American musician, poet, and author whose work blended jazz, blues, and soul with politically charged spoken-word performances. His landmark piece "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" became a manifesto for social change and influenced the development of hip-hop and spoken-word poetry. Scott-Heron released numerous albums exploring themes of race, politics, and urban life, earning acclaim as a radical voice in music. He collaborated with producer Brian Jackson to create fusion classics throughout the 1970s. Despite personal struggles with addiction, his legacy endures through his groundbreaking fusion of art and activism.

Helma Sanders-Brahms (1940–2014) was a leading figure of New German Cinema, known for films like Germany, Pale Mother that explored gender, identity, and trauma. She wrote and directed over a dozen feature films, blending personal narratives with social critique. Sanders-Brahms studied in Vienna and later taught film, influencing a generation of filmmakers. Her work challenged conventional storytelling and highlighted marginalized voices. Through her production company, she championed innovative cinematic voices in Europe.

Gardner Dozois was born in 1947 and became a towering figure in the science fiction community. He edited the influential "Year's Best Science Fiction" anthology series for over thirty years, showcasing groundbreaking work from both established and emerging writers. Dozois also authored acclaimed short stories and novellas, earning multiple Hugo and Nebula Awards. His editorial vision and deep knowledge of the genre helped shape generations of science fiction literature. Colleagues admired his mentorship and dedication to raising editorial standards. Gardner Dozois passed away in 2018, leaving a lasting legacy as both a writer and editor.

Larry Kramer was born in 1935 and gained critical acclaim for his play "The Normal Heart," which highlighted the early years of the AIDS crisis. In 1982, he co-founded the Gay Men's Health Crisis to address the epidemic's impact on the LGBT community. Kramer later founded ACT UP, renowned for its direct-action protests that pressured governments and institutions to respond to the public health emergency. His uncompromising activism and powerful writing played a central role in raising awareness and effecting policy change. Kramer continued to write novels, essays, and plays that challenged social norms. Larry Kramer passed away in 2020, leaving an indelible mark on theater, advocacy, and public health.