July 24

Born in 1803 in New York City, Davis became one of America’s leading architects of the 19th century. He designed iconic Gothic Revival villas, public buildings, and country homes across the United States. Davis collaborated with landscape architects to create harmonious estate plans blending architecture and nature. His publications, such as 'Rural Residences,' helped spread Romantic architectural ideals. Davis’s work influenced generations of American architects and shaped the nation’s architectural identity.

Born in 1821 in New York City, Poole rose to prominence as a bare-knuckle boxer and leader of the Bowery Boys gang. A skilled fighter, he became a symbol of nativist sentiments and violent street politics. Poole’s clashes with immigrant communities and rival gangs fueled rising tensions in the city. His reputation made him a folk figure, later immortalized in literature and film portrayals. Poole was fatally shot in 1855, leaving behind a legacy entwined with New York’s urban history.

Born into the Prussian royal family in 1860, Charlotte was the daughter of Emperor Frederick III and Victoria, Princess Royal of the United Kingdom. She spent her childhood between Berlin and London, forging close ties with European monarchies. In 1889, she married Bernhard III, Duke of Saxe-Meiningen, and played a role in court life and charitable activities. Known for her vivacious personality and cultural patronage, she hosted salons that attracted artists and intellectuals. After her husband’s death, she withdrew from public duties and lived quietly until her death in 1919.

Born in Villalba, Sicily, Calogero Vizzini rose from humble origins to become one of the most influential Mafia leaders. Known as Don Calò, he brokered alliances among rival clans and negotiated with Allied forces during World War II. Vizzini’s blend of intimidation, politics, and community patronage solidified his control over Sicilian crime. He expanded operations into smuggling and illicit trade, shaping the modern mafioso archetype. His death in 1954 marked the end of an era for the old guard of the Sicilian Mafia.

Alan Waddell was an Australian retiree who started a remarkable walking regimen at the age of 85. Over the next two decades, he completed more than 5,000 walking tours of Sydney and other cities. His daily expeditions, often covering historic landmarks and coastal paths, attracted media attention and public admiration. Waddell published a book about his adventures and donated proceeds to local charities. His story encouraged seniors around the world to embrace fitness and exploration in later life. He continued walking into his nineties, demonstrating that age is no barrier to new achievements and personal transformation.

Robert Marsden Hope was an influential Australian lawyer and judge who served on the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory. He chaired several landmark royal commissions, including investigations into Australia's intelligence services, national security, and legal administration. His thorough reports and recommendations shaped the modern legal framework and oversight of intelligence agencies. Hope's work balanced civil liberties with national security needs and guided policy reforms. He was recognized for his integrity, legal acumen, and commitment to public service. His contributions had lasting effects on Australia's justice system and government accountability.

Born in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, in 1937, Terry trained under architect Raymond Erith and embraced traditional classical principles. He emerged as a leading figure in the New Classical Architecture movement, championing harmony and proportion. Terry's portfolio includes private residences, public buildings, and ecclesiastical commissions that adhere to Greco-Roman aesthetics. His design for Brentwood Cathedral is celebrated for its timeless elegance and craftsmanship. He has lectured internationally on the importance of classical architecture in modern society.

Born in 1952 in Louisville, Kentucky, Gus Van Sant began his career making experimental short films before gaining attention with Drugstore Cowboy (1989). His breakthrough came with My Own Private Idaho (1991), a road-movie drama starring River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves. Van Sant earned Oscar nominations for co-writing and producing Good Will Hunting (1997) and won the Palm d’Or at Cannes for Elephant (2003). He blended mainstream appeal with indie sensibilities, tackling themes of identity, community, and social alienation. Van Sant’s diverse filmography includes Milk (2008), a biopic that won two Academy Awards, and continues to influence generations of filmmakers.

Aminatou Haidar has been a leading voice for the Sahrawi people since her early youth in Western Sahara. Facing intimidation and arrest, she championed peaceful protests against Moroccan rule, earning the nickname “Sahrawi Gandhi.” In 2005, Haidar was detained and mistreated in Moroccan jails before an international outcry secured her release. She then launched a hunger strike in 2009 at the Lanzarote airport in Spain, drawing global attention to her cause. Haidar has received numerous awards, including the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award, for her unwavering commitment to justice. Despite exile and personal risk, she continues to advocate at the United Nations and international forums. Her nonviolent philosophy and resilience make her a powerful symbol of peaceful resistance. Haidar’s work highlights the ongoing struggle for decolonization and human rights in North Africa.

Patty Jenkins made her feature directorial debut with the acclaimed biographical thriller Monster in 2003, earning critical praise. She achieved global success with Wonder Woman (2017), which was the highest-grossing film directed by a woman at its release, and its sequel Wonder Woman 1984. Jenkins began her career writing and directing short films before working in television on series such as The Killing. Her work is noted for strong female protagonists and compelling storytelling. Beyond film, she has advocated for greater representation of women behind the camera and in genre filmmaking.

Born in London and raised in California, Elliot Rodger authored a manifesto expressing deep personal grievances before committing a killing spree near the University of California, Santa Barbara in May 2014. He murdered six people and injured fourteen others in a shocking attack that prompted a national conversation on mental health and violence. Rodger’s actions ended with his suicide, leaving a complex legacy in debates over social isolation and extremist ideologies.

Bindi Sue Irwin (born July 24, 1998) is an Australian conservationist, zookeeper, and actress. She is the daughter of the late wildlife expert Steve Irwin and Terri Irwin, raised at the Australia Zoo in Queensland. From a young age, she appeared on television programs alongside her family, promoting wildlife protection. Irwin has hosted various nature documentaries and initiatives focused on endangered species and habitat conservation. In addition to her environmental work, she has pursued acting roles and authored books on wildlife and her experiences. Through the Bindi Wildlife Foundation and her public outreach, she continues to inspire global audiences about conservation.