June 09

Born in 1625 at Fort Orange (now Albany), Sarah Rapelje was the daughter of Dutch settlers Joris Jansen and Catalyntje van den Bergh. Her baptismal record remains the earliest known birth certificate in New Netherland. She married Hans Hansen Bergen and later Teunis Gysbertse Bogaert, raising a large family of 11 children. Through her descendants, she is an ancestor of many prominent American families. Sarah lived through the transition of New Netherland to English control in 1664. She died in 1685, leaving a legacy in early American colonial history.

Born in 1895, Archie Weston excelled as a collegiate quarterback, setting records and earning acclaim. After retiring from play, he turned to journalism, covering major football events for leading publications. His insightful analyses and compelling features helped shape modern sports reporting. Weston's articles were praised for their depth, human interest, and clear storytelling. He remained active in the football community, mentoring young athletes and writers. Weston passed away in 1981, leaving a legacy in both athletics and journalism.

Born in 1906 in Seattle, Graham made his fortune in manufacturing and venture investments. In 1980, he established the Repository for Germinal Choice, a controversial sperm bank aimed at improving human genetics. His eugenicist beliefs sparked ethical debates and media attention worldwide. Graham funded scholarships for researchers and promoted scientific approaches to heredity. Despite criticism, he believed his work could advance human potential and reduce genetic disease. He died in 1997, leaving a provocative and contested legacy in both business and science.

Born in 1908 in Chicago, Kutner received his law degree from the University of Michigan. He co-founded the International Commission of Jurists and advocated for global human rights protections. Kutner is credited with originating the idea of an international habeas corpus to protect individuals from unjust detention. He authored numerous legal texts and articles on civil liberties and psychiatry law. Throughout his career, he fought for refugees and political prisoners worldwide. Kutner passed away in 1993, remembered as a trailblazer in the fight for international justice.

George Axelrod was born in 1922 and began his career as a playwright before transitioning to Hollywood. He wrote the screenplay for 'The Seven Year Itch' and adapted 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' for the screen, capturing the era's charm and wit. Axelrod also produced and directed films such as 'Lord Love a Duck,' showcasing his satirical style. His work earned him Academy Award nominations and solidified his reputation as a master of comedy-drama. In addition to film, he wrote plays and novels, demonstrating his versatility as a storyteller. He passed away in 2003, leaving behind a legacy of sharp dialogue and memorable characters.

Nicholas Lloyd is an English journalist born in 1942. Over his career, he has held senior editorial positions at national newspapers, including serving as editor for prominent British dailies. Lloyd oversaw major investigative reports and guided his newspapers through the shift to digital media. Under his leadership, circulation figures rose and the publications won multiple journalism awards. He has also appeared as a commentator on broadcast platforms, providing insights on current affairs. Lloyd's mentorship of emerging journalists has influenced the next generation of media professionals. His contributions have helped shape the modern landscape of British journalism.

Deyda Hydara was a pioneering Gambian journalist who co-founded The Point newspaper in 1991, providing an independent voice. As editor-in-chief, he championed press freedom and was unafraid to critique government policies. His investigative reporting shed light on corruption and human rights issues in The Gambia. In 2004, Hydara was tragically assassinated, a crime that remains unsolved and drew international condemnation. His legacy continues to inspire journalists advocating for free expression across West Africa.

Steve Paikin is a Canadian journalist and author born in Ontario in 1960. He began his career in the 1980s at CBC before joining TVO in 1994. Paikin has served as TVO's Washington correspondent and is best known as the founding host of The Agenda with Steve Paikin. He has written several books on Canadian politics, including a bestselling biography of former Ontario premier Bill Davis. Over his career, he has received multiple Gemini Awards and is acclaimed for his insightful interviews and commitment to public policy discussion.

Born June 9, 1967, in London, Ontario, Ghomeshi first gained attention as a member of the folk-pop group Moxy Früvous in the 1990s. He transitioned to broadcasting in 2002, joining CBC Radio and eventually becoming the host of the flagship arts and culture show Q in 2007. Under his leadership, Q became one of Canada's most listened-to programs, featuring in-depth interviews with major artists. His career later encountered controversy following allegations of sexual misconduct, in which he was acquitted in 2016. Ghomeshi has since shifted to digital media, producing podcasts and exploring other creative ventures.

Hayden Schlossberg co-created and co-wrote the hit comedy films "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle" (2004) and its sequels, blending stoner comedy with social satire. He began his career writing for television before breaking into film. Schlossberg also directed the comedy "Let’s Go to Prison" (2006) and produced various film and TV projects. His work is noted for its irreverent humor and memorable characters. He collaborated with Clay Tarver on several screenplays, shaping a unique comedic voice. Beyond filmmaking, Schlossberg has lectured on screenwriting and storytelling. His contributions have left a lasting mark on modern American comedy cinema.