July 27

Lucrezia Crivelli served as a lady-in-waiting and became a favored mistress of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan. Her presence at court influenced the duke's personal and political life during the height of the Italian Renaissance. Some historians speculate she dined with leading artists of the era and may have inspired portraits of the period. Despite her significance at court, details of her life remain scarce, reflecting the limited records of women in her time.

Born into the influential Howard family in 1578, Frances Howard married Ludovic Stewart, who granted her the titles Duchess of Richmond and Lennox. She was a prominent figure at the Jacobean court, known for her patronage of the arts and participation in court masques. Her marriage strengthened ties between Scottish and English nobility in the early 17th century. Frances navigated the complexities of aristocratic life until her death in 1639.

Born in Normandy in 1768, Charlotte Corday was influenced by the moderate Girondin faction. Believing that killing Marat would restore calm to France, she traveled to Paris in July 1793. Gaining access to Marat under the pretext of delivering a petition, she stabbed him to death in his bath. Her action sent shockwaves through revolutionary France and highlighted the era's intense political divisions. Corday was arrested immediately and executed by guillotine four days later, becoming a controversial historical figure.

Born in 1853 to lumber magnate John Plankinton, Elizabeth Plankinton inherited a substantial fortune which she used to support numerous charitable projects. She donated land and funds for the construction of the Milwaukee Public Library and several local churches. Plankinton established scholarships for women and contributed to healthcare initiatives, including hospitals and clinics. Known for her personal involvement, she hosted charity events and funded social welfare programs for the underprivileged. Her Dublin mansion, designed as a cultural salon, reflected her patronage of the arts. Elizabeth Plankinton's legacy endures in Milwaukee's civic and cultural institutions. She died in 1923, leaving a profound impact on her community.

Garry Davis was born in 1921 in Bar Harbor, Maine, and served as a US Army Air Forces bomber crew member during World War II. Disillusioned by nationalism, he relinquished his US citizenship in 1948 and declared himself a 'citizen of the world.' In 1951, he launched the World Passport, issuing documents meant to transcend national borders and promote freedom of movement. Davis founded the World Service Authority and campaigned at the United Nations for a global government. His activism influenced debates on human rights and world federalism. He continued his advocacy until his death in 2013, inspiring modern global citizenship movements.

Rajadurai began his career as a journalist, reporting on regional issues and advocating community development. He was elected as the first Mayor of Batticaloa, focusing on infrastructure improvements and municipal services. As mayor, he initiated projects to strengthen education and healthcare amid post-independence challenges. After his term, he continued to influence local politics and media, using his platform to address minority rights. His contributions in journalism and governance have had a lasting impact on Batticaloa's civic life.

John Seigenthaler started his journalism career as a reporter and rose to become managing editor and publisher of The Tennessean newspaper in Nashville. He served as a close advisor to Robert F. Kennedy during the 1960s and played a key role in promoting the Civil Rights Act. In 1981, he became the founding editorial director of USA Today, helping to establish it as a major national newspaper. Later, he joined Vanderbilt University's School of Journalism as a dean and championed First Amendment studies. He received numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, for his contributions to journalism and civil rights.

Gary Gygax was an American game designer and author best known for co-creating Dungeons & Dragons in 1974. He pioneered tabletop role-playing games, setting the foundation for immersive storytelling and complex game mechanics. As co-founder of TSR, Inc., he guided the publication and growth of Dungeons & Dragons into a cultural phenomenon. Gygax wrote numerous rulebooks and modules that defined the early RPG landscape. His innovative designs influenced countless tabletop and digital games, and he remained an active figure in the gaming community throughout his life. Gygax has been honored with induction into the Adventure Gaming Hall of Fame and is remembered as a visionary whose legacy continues to inspire new generations of gamers.

Jean-Marie Leblanc began his career as a competitive road cyclist in the 1960s. He transitioned into journalism, covering cycling events with insightful analysis and enthusiasm. Leblanc later served as the director of the Tour de France, shaping its modern era from 1989 to 2006. Under his leadership, the race expanded its global reach and adopted new technologies. His deep understanding of the sport and dedication to its growth have left a lasting impact on cycling.

Peggy Fleming won the gold medal at the 1968 Winter Olympics, becoming an icon in the skating world. Her graceful performances and technical precision captivated audiences globally. After retiring from competition, she became a pioneering sports broadcaster, covering skating events for major networks. Fleming has also dedicated herself to arts advocacy and charitable work, inspiring athletes beyond her sport. Her elegance on ice and articulate commentary have made her a beloved figure in both sports and media.

James Munby built a distinguished legal career, specializing in family and divorce law. He served as the President of the Family Division of the High Court of England and Wales, overseeing key reforms. Munby was recognized for his progressive judgments and efforts to make the legal process more accessible. He championed transparency in family court proceedings and advocated for children's welfare. After retiring, he continued to lecture and publish on legal issues, shaping future generations of lawyers.

Neil Harbisson is recognized as the world's first legally acknowledged cyborg, integrating technology into his own body. Born with achromatopsia, he created an antenna implant that allows him to perceive colors as audible frequencies. His multidisciplinary work spans painting and music, composing pieces based on color-sound translations. Harbisson co-founded the Cyborg Foundation to advocate for cyborg rights and expand human sensory capabilities. He has delivered TED Talks and exhibited internationally, challenging conventional boundaries of art and perception.