June 26

Born in 1699 in Paris, Marie Thérèse Geoffrin married lawyer Pierre Rodet and inherited a fortune that she used to host a celebrated literary salon from the 1740s onward. Her gatherings attracted leading philosophes such as Voltaire, Diderot, Montesquieu, and Rousseau, fostering debate and the exchange of ideas. Geoffrin supported the publication of the Encyclopédie and patronized artists and scientists, helping to shape Enlightenment culture. Her salon became a model for European intellectual society, influencing politics, art, and literature. She continued hosting salon meetings until her death in 1777.

Dorothy Fuldheim was an American journalist and one of the first television news anchors, born on June 26, 1893. She began her career in radio and transitioned to TV in the 1940s at WKYC in Cleveland. Fuldheim was known for her candid, opinionated style and fearless interviews with political and cultural figures. Over a career spanning five decades, she covered major events and became a trailblazer for women in broadcast journalism. Her sharp analysis and distinctive presence earned her national recognition and respect. Fuldheim retired in the early 1980s, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of television news commentary.

Born Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk in 1909 in the Netherlands, he adopted the name Colonel Tom Parker. He immigrated to the United States and began a career in show business management. In 1955, he signed Elvis Presley and orchestrated his meteoric success in music and film. Parker negotiated lucrative contracts, television appearances, and sold-out tours worldwide. Despite controversies over his contract terms, his strategies transformed the entertainment industry. Parker’s legacy remains entwined with Elvis’s status as the King of Rock ’n’ Roll.

Paul Castellano was an influential American gangster and head of the Gambino crime family. Nicknamed 'Big Paul,' he reorganized the family into a corporate-like criminal enterprise. Under his leadership, the Gambinos expanded into labor racketeering, construction, and unions. Castellano maintained a low public profile, favoring boardroom deals over street violence. His rule faced internal dissent, culminating in his assassination in 1985. His death triggered a violent power struggle within New York's Mafia ranks. Castellano's legacy looms large in organized crime history.

Yoshiro Nakamatsu (born 1928), popularly known as Dr. NakaMats, is a Japanese inventor with more than 3,300 patent applications. His inventions span from the floppy disk to color TV enhancements and strain sensors, reflecting his eclectic creativity. Nakamatsu holds world records for the most patents and has been recognized by Guinness World Records. He established the Nakamats Institute to foster innovation and patents among young inventors. Despite controversies over his experimental methods and later works, he remains a symbol of inventive spirit in Japan.

Born in 1930 in Berlin, Wolfgang Schwanitz rose through the ranks of the Stasi to become its head in 1989. He held the title of Secretary of State for Security during the final months of the German Democratic Republic. Schwanitz managed intelligence operations and state surveillance but faced mounting public pressure during reunification. In December 1989 he oversaw the disbandment of the Stasi, marking the end of an era of oppression. After reunification he lived privately until his death in 2022, remaining a controversial figure in German history.

Born Gaylord Yonker in 1945, he adopted the names Dwight York and Issa al-Haadi al-Mahdi as leader of the Nuwaubian Nation. He blended African, Egyptian, and UFO beliefs into a unique religious movement, releasing music under the alias Malachi Z. York. His teachings attracted followers but also sparked allegations of black supremacism and sexual abuse. In 2004, he was convicted on charges including child molestation and racketeering and received a 135-year prison sentence. His legacy remains marked by both charismatic religious innovation and serious criminal convictions.

Olive Elaine Morris was born in Jamaica on June 26, 1952, and moved to London with her family as a child. A pioneering black feminist and civil rights activist, she co-founded the Brixton Black Women's Group and Southall Black Sisters, advocating for anti-racism and women's rights. Morris led community self-help projects, including legal defense campaigns and housing rights initiatives, confronting discrimination in 1970s Britain. Her uncompromising spirit and grassroots organizing challenged both racial and gender injustices. She passed away in 1979 at the age of 27, yet her legacy endures. In 2019, she was commemorated with a blue plaque in Brixton, inspiring new generations of activists.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1976, Dave Rubin is a political commentator and author. He began his media career on the show 'Politically Incorrect' before launching his own platform. Rubin founded The Rubin Report, hosting long-form interviews with figures across the ideological spectrum. Initially aligned with progressive politics, he later identified as a classical liberal. He has written on free speech and political dialogue in the digital age. Rubin's extensive interviews and debates have made him a notable voice in online political commentary.

Born to King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, Princess Alexia is second in the Dutch line of succession. She attends Christelijk Gymnasium Sorghvliet in The Hague, balancing her education with royal duties. Alexia has participated in official engagements alongside her parents and elder sister. She supports youth initiatives and cultural projects, reflecting her commitment to social causes. The princess is multilingual, speaking Dutch, English, and Spanish fluently. As a young member of the royal family, she represents the Netherlands at various national and international events.