July 16

Frances Grey, Duchess of Suffolk, was an English noblewoman of Tudor England and granddaughter of King Henry VII. As Duchess of Suffolk, she navigated the intricate politics of the Tudor court during the reign of her cousin, Queen Mary I. She married Henry Grey, Duke of Suffolk, and their daughter, Lady Jane Grey, briefly became queen in 1553. Despite her daughter's short-lived reign, Frances remained influential in court and sought to protect her family from executing politics. Her life illustrates the precarious position of nobility during the religious and dynastic conflicts of the mid-16th century. She died in 1559, remembered for her resilience and the remarkable women of her lineage.

Born in 1611, Cecilia Renata of Austria was an Archduchess of Austria from the House of Habsburg. In 1637, she married King Władysław IV Vasa, becoming Queen consort of Poland and Lithuania. Known for her piety and cultural patronage, she supported the arts and charitable institutions at the Polish court. Her marriage strengthened the alliance between the Habsburg and Vasa dynasties during the Thirty Years' War. She gave birth to several children before her untimely death in 1644 at the age of 32. Her life reflects the role of royal women in shaping 17th-century European diplomacy and culture.

Nikolai von Glehn (1841–1923) was an Estonian-German architect and social activist instrumental in planning the modern landscape of northern Estonia. Born into Baltic German nobility, he studied architecture and surveying before acquiring land outside Tallinn. There, he designed and developed the suburb of Nõmme, creating parks, villas, and public spaces that combined Romantic and historicist styles. His centerpiece, Glehn’s Manor, featured ornamental gardens, sculptures, and a small castle, reflecting his eclectic vision. Von Glehn also advocated for cultural preservation and green urban living, leaving a lasting legacy on the region’s architectural heritage.

Ida B. Wells (1862–1931) was an American journalist, educator, and activist who exposed the brutality of lynching in the post-Reconstruction South. Born into slavery in Mississippi, she became a teacher before turning to journalism and co-owning a newspaper in Memphis. Wells authored detailed investigations that challenged the racist justifications for mob violence, publishing her findings nationally and internationally. She was a co-founder of the NAACP and spoke out forcefully for women’s suffrage and racial justice. Her fearless reporting and advocacy laid critical groundwork for the modern civil rights movement.

Ellen Oliver (1870–1921) was a British suffragette who dedicated her life to securing the vote for women. As a member of the Women’s Social and Political Union, she organized rallies, delivered speeches, and participated in civil disobedience actions. Oliver faced arrest and imprisonment for her commitment to the cause, undergoing hunger strikes while incarcerated. She contributed articles to suffrage publications and worked to raise public awareness of women’s political inequality. Her persistence helped pave the way for legislative reforms that ultimately extended voting rights to British women.

Violette Neatley Anderson (1882-1937) was an American lawyer and judge, known for breaking racial and gender barriers. She was the first African American woman admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1921. Anderson served as a U.S. Commissioner for the District of Columbia, effectively acting as a federal magistrate. She advocated for civil rights, fair employment, and improved legal access for women and minorities. Her pioneering career opened doors for future generations of lawyers.

Fritz Bauer was born in 1903 and became a passionate advocate for justice following World War II. After surviving Nazi persecution in exile, he returned to Germany as a prosecutor and judge. Bauer is best known for initiating the Frankfurt Auschwitz trials in the 1960s, bringing Holocaust perpetrators to account. He also worked to reform the German legal system and championed victims’ rights. His unwavering commitment to confronting Germany’s past has made him a symbol of legal integrity and moral courage.

Frances Horwich (1907–2001) revolutionized early childhood television with her show "Ding Dong School", bringing structured lessons directly into living rooms from 1952 to 1956. A trained teacher and educational psychologist, she used interactive songs, stories, and activities to engage preschoolers. Known affectionately as "Miss Frances", she emphasized a nurturing, classroom-style environment on air. After her television success, she returned to academia, teaching at institutions like Kent State University and advocating for educational programming. Horwich's innovative approach highlighted the potential of television as a learning tool and laid the groundwork for future children's shows.

James L. Greenfield began his career as a journalist, writing for major publications and earning a reputation for incisive political analysis. He later transitioned into public service, taking on local governmental roles and advocating for community issues. Over the course of several decades, he maintained a unique perspective at the intersection of media and politics. His leadership and dedication influenced both fields, and he remained active until his passing in 2024.

Bess Myerson rose to fame in 1945 when she became the first Jewish woman to win the Miss America pageant. She leveraged her platform to pursue a career in modeling and acting, appearing in films and television programs. Later, she became a familiar face on game show panels, showcasing her wit and charm. Myerson then entered politics, serving on New York City’s Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women and campaigning on issues of equality. Her trailblazing career broke barriers and inspired many.

Frank Jobe served as a U.S. Army sergeant before becoming an orthopedic surgeon. In 1974, he performed the first ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction—later known as Tommy John surgery—revolutionizing sports medicine and saving countless athletes’ careers. Jobe’s innovative techniques and dedication to patient care set new standards in orthopedic surgery. He authored numerous papers and trained generations of surgeons in his pioneering methods. His work continues to impact athletes and surgeons worldwide.

Pierre F. Côté served as a respected lawyer before joining the Canadian civil service, where he held senior positions within government departments. He advised on legal and policy matters, contributing to legislative reforms and administrative efficiency. Côté was known for his integrity and commitment to public service, often mediating complex negotiations. Throughout his career, he worked to strengthen institutions and promote the rule of law. He passed away in 2013, remembered for his dedication to Canada’s governmental and legal systems.