May 31

Zeynab Begum was a Safavid princess who lived during the late 16th and early 17th centuries in Persia. As the daughter of Shah Mohammad Khodabanda or Shah Abbas I, she held a prestigious position within the royal harem. Zeynab wielded significant influence by managing court ceremonies, diplomatic receptions, and the education of royal women. She became a trusted adviser to her brother, Shah Abbas I, and played a key role in palace politics. Although historical records about her life are limited, she is remembered for her leadership and administrative skills. She died in 1640, leaving a legacy of female authority in the Safavid court.

Antonis Benakis (1873–1954) was a Greek art collector and philanthropist best known for founding the Benaki Museum in Athens. Born into a prominent family in Alexandria, he began collecting artifacts reflecting Greek history and culture. In 1930, he donated his extensive collection of art, manuscripts, and antiquities to establish the museum. The Benaki Museum became a central institution for preserving Greek artistic and folk traditions. Benakis also supported charitable causes and cultural initiatives throughout Greece. His vision created a lasting legacy, making Greek cultural treasures accessible to the public.

Born in 1901 in Trinidad, C. L. R. James blended cultural criticism with Marxist theory in his writings. His book "The Black Jacobins" offered a seminal history of the Haitian Revolution and anti-colonial thought. In "Beyond a Boundary," he used cricket as a lens to explore race, class, and empire. A prolific journalist and speaker, James influenced civil rights and decolonization movements in the Caribbean and Britain. His work remains foundational in postcolonial studies, sports history, and political theory.

Debuting in 1987, Spuds MacKenzie captured America’s attention as Bud Light’s party-loving bull terrier mascot. Adored for his sunglasses and playful antics, he appeared in Super Bowl commercials and national ad campaigns. The marketing phenomenon spurred merchandise, fan clubs, and controversy over advertising to younger audiences. Behind the name was Honey Tree Evil Eye, a female bull terrier whose charm drove one of the most memorable ad campaigns of the era. Spuds’ legacy endures as a case study in branding, pop culture, and the power of a charismatic mascot.

Aiyathurai Nadesan was born in 1954 and became an influential voice in Sri Lankan journalism. He served as a senior editor at a leading Tamil-language newspaper, where he fearlessly covered human rights abuses and political developments during the civil conflict. Nadesan's investigative reports brought attention to government and rebel actions alike, earning him both acclaim and threats to his safety. He held leadership positions in press organizations and advocated for journalist protections. Despite repeated warnings, he continued his work, believing in the power of the free press. His assassination in 2004 sparked national and international outrage over press freedom in Sri Lanka. Nadesan's courage and dedication remain a powerful example for journalists around the world.

Born in 1941 in the United States, George Tiller followed his father into medical practice and specialized in obstetrics and gynecology. He became one of the few U.S. doctors to provide legal late-term abortions, serving patients from across the country. Tiller’s dedication to reproductive rights made him both a target for pro-life activists and a champion for women’s healthcare. He faced numerous legal and personal threats, persevering to keep his clinic open despite violent opposition. His commitment sparked national debates on medical ethics, legal rights, and violence against healthcare providers.

Randall B. Kester (1916–2012) had a distinguished legal career spanning over sixty years. After earning his law degree from the University of Oregon, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Upon returning to Oregon, Kester joined the distinguished firm of Stoel Rives, becoming a leading corporate and tax lawyer. In 1973, he was appointed to the Multnomah County Circuit Court, where he presided over civil and criminal cases. Later, he served on the United States Customs Court, adjudicating complex international trade disputes. He was active in the Oregon State Bar, mentoring young attorneys and shaping legal education. Kester’s integrity and commitment to justice earned him respect across the legal community.

Jairo Mora Sandoval (1987–2013) was a passionate environmentalist who patrolled the beaches of Tortuguero National Park. He worked with local communities to prevent the poaching of turtle eggs and monitor sea turtle nesting sites. Mora's commitment to wildlife protection made him a respected figure among conservationists. On May 31, 2013, he was tragically kidnapped and killed by poachers, drawing international outrage. His death led to increased efforts and legal reforms to safeguard environmental activists in Costa Rica. He is remembered as a courageous advocate for endangered species.

Marilyn Beck (1928–2014) was a trailblazing entertainment writer whose column reached millions of readers. She became the first female gossip columnist to achieve national syndication in newspapers. Beck reported on celebrity news, film premieres, and behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories for over five decades. She appeared on radio and television, sharing her insights and breaking major entertainment news. Known for her friendly relationships with stars, her column became a must-read for industry insiders. Her work paved the way for future generations of entertainment journalists.

Born in Danzig in 1939, Rupert Neudeck began his career as a journalist covering international affairs. Moved by the plight of Vietnamese boat people in 1979, he co-founded the rescue ship Cap Anamur to save refugees at sea. He then established the aid organization Cap Anamur/Medico International, providing medical assistance in crisis zones worldwide. Neudeck’s hands-on approach led him to conflict areas such as Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Balkans, delivering vital relief. He received multiple humanitarian awards and was celebrated for his unwavering dedication to vulnerable populations. He passed away in 2016, leaving a profound legacy in humanitarian action.

Gilberto Rodríguez Orejuela was born in 1939 and co-founded the Cali Cartel, one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in Colombia. He operated alongside his brother, overseeing a global narcotics network in the 1980s and early 1990s. After his 1995 arrest, he was extradited to the United States, where he was convicted on multiple charges of drug trafficking and money laundering. He served decades in prison, his cartel's non-violent approach contrasting with the brutality of the Medellin Cartel. Rodríguez Orejuela's downfall marked a significant shift in the war on drugs in Colombia.

Robert William Pickton was born in 1949 and operated a pig farm in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. Between the late 1990s and early 2000s, he targeted vulnerable women, primarily sex workers, in the Vancouver area. In 2007, Pickton was convicted of the second-degree murders of six women, though he confessed to many more. He received a life sentence with no possibility of parole for 25 years in Canada's highest security prisons. His case prompted widespread discussion about missing women and police investigations in Canada.