June 19

Mary Sibbet Copley was born in 1843 and dedicated her life to philanthropic endeavors. She funded scholarships and educational programs that opened doors for underprivileged youth. Copley was an active patron of hospitals and community institutions, advocating for healthcare access in her hometown. Her charitable leadership inspired local reforms and community-building efforts. She collaborated with civic organizations to launch relief programs during economic downturns. Copley's lasting impact on social welfare continued through endowments and charitable trusts she established before her death in 1929.

Born Bessie Wallis Warfield in 1896 in Baltimore, Wallis Simpson first gained prominence in American social circles. After two divorces, she met Prince Edward in 1931, sparking a controversial relationship that challenged royal tradition. King Edward VIII's desire to marry Simpson in 1936 led to his abdication and exile as the Duke of Windsor. The couple lived abroad in France and the United States, where Simpson became the Duchess of Windsor. Though ostracized by the British establishment, she remained a glamorous figure in mid-century high society. Wallis Simpson died in 1986, remembered for her role in one of the 20th century's greatest royal dramas.

Hans Litten was born in 1903 in Munich and studied law, becoming known for defending political dissidents during the Weimar Republic. In 1931, he famously subpoenaed Adolf Hitler to testify in a trial against Nazi militants, exposing contradictions in Hitler’s statements. Litten’s legal crusades made him a target of the Nazi Party after they rose to power in 1933. He was arrested and held in concentration camps for five years, enduring severe torture. Despite his suffering, he remained defiant against the regime. In 1938, fearing further torture, he took his own life in Dachau. Litten is remembered as a symbol of legal courage and resistance to tyranny.

Abe Fortas was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1910 and graduated from Yale Law School. He clerked for Supreme Court Justice Benjamin N. Cardozo and later became a trusted adviser to President Lyndon B. Johnson, drafting key legislation. Johnson appointed him to the Supreme Court in 1965, where he authored influential opinions on civil liberties and due process. In 1969 Fortas faced ethical scrutiny over financial dealings, leading to his resignation. He returned to private practice and remained active in law until his death in 1982, leaving a complex legacy in American jurisprudence.

Starting his career as a literary agent in the 1930s, Schwartz discovered science-fiction writers such as Ray Bradbury and Fritz Leiber. Hired by DC Comics in 1954, he revived iconic superheroes including the Flash and Green Lantern, ushering in the Silver Age of comics. He collaborated with legendary artists and writers to oversee titles like Justice League of America and Detective Comics. Schwartz mentored a generation of comic creators and championed innovative storytelling techniques. His editorial vision left an indelible mark on the comic book industry until his retirement in 2004.

Ayman al-Zawahiri (June 19, 1951 – August 1, 2022) was an Egyptian militant who succeeded Osama bin Laden as leader of al-Qaeda. He played a central role in planning and promoting extremist ideology, overseeing operations worldwide. Trained as a surgeon, he became radicalized and co-founded militant groups before merging with al-Qaeda. Under his leadership, the organization carried out numerous attacks, including the 9/11 conspiracy. He remained a fugitive for decades before being killed in a U.S. drone strike in 2022.

Richard Wilkins (born June 19, 1954) began his career in radio before moving to television, where he became the entertainment editor for the Nine Network's "Today" show. He has interviewed countless international stars and hosted major events like the ARIA Music Awards. Celebrated for his charisma and insider access, Wilkins has remained a familiar face on Australian television for decades, also contributing to radio and print media.

Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, known online as KSI, began his YouTube career with FIFA gaming videos, quickly amassing a massive following. He co-founded the popular YouTube group 'Sidemen' and has released chart-topping rap singles, achieving gold certification in the UK. KSI has headlined high-profile amateur boxing matches against fellow YouTubers, bringing mainstream attention to influencer boxing. With ventures in music, film, and entrepreneurship, he has diversified his brand and continues to expand his global influence. KSI's blend of entertainment and competitive spirit has made him a leading figure in digital media.