July 15

Born in 719, Yang Guifei rose to become the favorite consort of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang. She was renowned for her beauty, talent in music and dance, and her close relationship with the emperor. Her family’s influence at court contributed to political dissatisfaction. During the An Lushan Rebellion, she was blamed for the turmoil and forced to commit suicide in 756. She remains a symbol of tragic romance and courtly intrigue in East Asian history.

Born Lisa Gherardini in 1479 to a wealthy Florentine family, Lisa del Giocondo married silk merchant Francesco del Giocondo in 1495. Her calm demeanor and enigmatic expression caught the attention of Leonardo da Vinci, who painted her portrait between 1503 and 1506. The artwork later became known as the Mona Lisa and is celebrated as a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance. Although little is recorded about her personal life, her legacy endures through the most famous painting in the world. She died in 1542, and her identity remained a subject of fascination for centuries.

Born in 1849 in County Limerick, Ireland, Leonora Barry emigrated to the United States as a child. In 1885, she became the first female national organizer for the Knights of Labor, investigating labor abuses across the country. Barry tirelessly documented working conditions and exposed exploitation of women and children in factories and workshops. She testified before Congress, advocating for legislation on fair wages, reasonable hours, and workplace safety. Her pioneering efforts advanced the labor movement’s focus on gender equality and social reform.

Robert Wadlow (1918–1940), known as the Alton Giant, holds the record for the tallest human at 8 feet 11 inches tall. His extraordinary height resulted from hyperplasia of his pituitary gland, causing excessive growth hormone production. Wadlow's stature required custom-made clothing and mobility aids, yet he remained active in public appearances and promotions. Despite his gentle personality, he faced health challenges and relied on leg braces to walk. He passed away at age 22 due to an infected blister. His legacy lives on through museums and exhibits that celebrate his unique life.

Born in 1960 in Baku, Chingiz Mustafayev gained recognition for his fearless journalism during the Nagorno-Karabakh war. His on-the-ground reports and photographs brought global awareness to the conflict's realities, while his written accounts were published in prominent media outlets. As an author, he documented the human stories behind the headlines, offering poignant narratives of resilience. He was tragically killed in 1992 while covering hostilities, solidifying his legacy as a courageous voice in wartime journalism.

C. Balasingham (1917–2001) was a prominent Sri Lankan lawyer and civil servant. Over his lengthy career, he held key positions in the civil service, offering legal expertise and administrative leadership. Balasingham advised on legislative matters and contributed to the development of public policy. He was known for his commitment to justice and efficient governance. His reputation for integrity and professionalism earned him respect across government circles.

Born in 1956, Tom Greenwell began his career in private practice before his appointment to the county judiciary in Texas. On the bench, he presided over a wide range of civil and criminal cases, emphasizing impartiality and due process. He implemented initiatives to streamline court procedures and improve public access to justice. Greenwell also taught trial advocacy at continuing legal education seminars, mentoring aspiring attorneys. His integrity and dedication earned him respect from colleagues and the community. He passed away in 2013 after decades of distinguished service.

Peter R. de Vries (1956–2021) was a Dutch investigative journalist celebrated for his relentless pursuit of truth in high-profile criminal cases. He came to prominence after uncovering new leads in the Freddy Heineken kidnapping case and later hosted his own program that exposed cold cases and organized crime networks. Over four decades, de Vries assisted victims’ families, influenced major trials, and held powerful figures to account through his fearless reporting. His work earned international acclaim but also made him a target of criminal retaliation. In July 2021, de Vries was critically wounded in an attack in Amsterdam and died two days later, leaving a legacy of courage, integrity, and reform in investigative journalism.