June 15

Born Lisa Gherardini in Florence in 1479, she married silk merchant Francesco del Giocondo and was known as Monna Lisa. Little is known about her life beyond her family ties to the Florentine elite. In around 1503, Leonardo da Vinci began painting her portrait, which would later become world-famous as the Mona Lisa. Her enigmatic smile and gaze have captivated audiences for centuries, making her face a symbol of Renaissance art. Lisa outlived her husband and lived in a convent outside Florence, where she died in 1542. Her legacy endures through the timeless masterpiece that bears her likeness.

Elizabeth Knollys was born in 1549 to Sir Francis Knollys and Catherine Carey, a cousin of Queen Elizabeth I. She joined the royal household as a gentlewoman of the Privy Chamber, attending the queen in daily life and court ceremonies. Her family connections and personal rapport with Elizabeth I gave her considerable standing at court. In 1578, she married Sir Thomas Leighton, governor of Guernsey and Jersey, further cementing her social position. Knollys was known for her patronage of the arts and close involvement in the politics of the Elizabethan era. She maintained her influence until her death in 1605, remembered as a key figure in one of England’s most celebrated royal courts.

Rachel Donelson married Andrew Jackson in 1791, unaware that her divorce from a previous marriage was not yet finalized. The couple remarried in 1794 after the legal confusion was resolved, but political opponents later accused her of bigamy. During Jackson’s 1828 presidential campaign, these allegations caused public scandal and took a toll on Rachel’s health. Despite her desire for privacy, she served as her husband’s closest confidante, influencing his views on loyalty and honor. Rachel avoided life in Washington but remained beloved in Tennessee for her hospitality and warmth. She suffered a fatal heart attack just days before Jackson’s inauguration in 1829. Jackson mourned her deeply and wore black in her memory for the rest of his life.

Elmar Lohk was a Russian-Estonian architect known for introducing functionalist architecture to Estonia. Born in Russia, he studied architecture at the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg. In the interwar period, he designed numerous public and residential buildings in Tallinn. His works feature clean lines, geometric forms, and an emphasis on utility. Key projects include the Tallinn Gas Station and several apartment blocks that remain local landmarks. Lohk's style left a lasting mark on Estonian urban landscapes before he relocated during World War II.

Born in 1923 in England, Ninian Stephen emigrated to Australia as a child. He served as a lieutenant in the Australian Army during World War II before studying law at the University of Melbourne. Stephen was appointed a Justice of the High Court of Australia in 1972, becoming known for his integrity and legal insight. In 1982, he became the 20th Governor-General of Australia, representing the Crown until 1989. After his term, he chaired national inquiries on human rights and reconciliation, including the Australian Human Rights Commission. His dedication to public service earned him international recognition and the Companion of the Order of Australia.

Born in 1925, Richard Baker began his career in British newspapers in the late 1940s. He covered major international events and became known for his clear and engaging writing style. Baker authored several non-fiction books exploring political and social issues of post-war Europe. His work earned him respect among peers and a loyal readership for its depth and integrity. He continued writing well into his later years, mentoring young journalists and shaping public discourse.

Born in 1926 in Jaffna, Alfred Duraiappah trained as a lawyer before entering politics. He became the first elected Mayor of Jaffna, focusing on urban development and community welfare. Duraiappah served as a Member of Parliament for Vaddukoddai, advocating for Tamil rights within Sri Lanka. His leadership during a period of ethnic tension made him a prominent figure in northern politics. In 1975, he was assassinated, an event that intensified local conflicts and shaped the island’s history.

John Hoagland began his career as a war photographer in the 1970s, documenting revolutions and conflicts in Central America for publications like Time and Newsweek. His stark black-and-white images captured the human impact of warfare, earning him acclaim and awards. Hoagland co-founded the Metro Photo Service and covered events in Lebanon and Iran before returning to El Salvador in the 1980s. He was killed by a landmine while on assignment in 1984 at the age of 36. Hoagland’s work remains a testament to the risks and responsibilities of front-line journalism and has influenced generations of photojournalists.

Jane Amsterdam is an American magazine and newspaper editor celebrated for her tenure at Manhattan, inc. and later the New York Post. Born June 15, 1951, she brought investigative journalism and editorial innovation to business and tabloid publications. At Manhattan, inc., she championed in-depth features on New York's financial and social elite. As editor of the New York Post, Amsterdam pushed for stronger reporting standards, revitalizing the paper's content. She has been recognized for mentoring young journalists and advocating for newsroom integrity. Her career reflects a blend of editorial vision and commitment to journalistic ethics.

Paul Rusesabagina managed the Hôtel des Mille Collines in Kigali during the 1994 genocide, using his influence and bravery to protect Tutsi and moderate Hutu refugees. He negotiated with military leaders, bribed soldiers, and leveraged diplomatic contacts to secure safety for over 1,200 people. His actions were later dramatized in the 2004 film Hotel Rwanda, bringing global attention to his efforts. After the genocide, he continued his humanitarian work and became an outspoken critic of political abuses in Rwanda. Rusesabagina served as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations and founded the Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation. In 2020, he was controversially arrested by the Rwandan government, sparking international concern for his human rights. His life story remains a powerful example of moral courage in the face of atrocity.

Yevgeny Kiselyov (born June 15, 1956) is a prominent journalist who began his career in Soviet-era television news. He served as anchorman of the popular Russian news program Itogi on NTV, earning acclaim for critical coverage of government and economic affairs. In the early 2000s, Kiselyov relocated to Ukraine, where he founded and headed the independent channel TVi, championing press freedom. His fearless approach often drew the ire of political figures, leading to legal challenges and threats. Kiselyov has been recognized internationally for his contributions to investigative journalism and media independence. He continues to produce news content and mentor young reporters across Eastern Europe.