July 28

Grand Duchess Anastasia Mikhailovna of Russia was born in 1860 into the Romanov dynasty. As a granddaughter of Tsar Nicholas I, she grew up amid imperial court life, receiving a privileged education. In 1879, she married Prince Friedrich Wilhelm of Hesse and cultivated a keen interest in the arts and philanthropy. Anastasia supported the Red Cross and various charitable institutions, improving health and welfare in Russia. After the Russian Revolution, she lived in exile, preserving her family's legacy abroad. She died in 1922, remembered for her cultural patronage and dedication to social causes.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Burns studied at Vassar College and Oxford University before dedicating herself to women’s suffrage. She partnered with Alice Paul to form the National Woman's Party in 1916, organizing pickets, marches, and lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C. Burns endured multiple arrests and hunger strikes, drawing public attention to the plight of suffrage activists. Her leadership and sacrifices were instrumental in the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting American women the right to vote. After achieving suffrage, she continued to advocate for women’s legal and social rights. Burns’ tireless activism and daring tactics made her a central figure in the movement and an inspiration for future generations of activists.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis served as First Lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963. She led a major restoration of the "White House", emphasizing its historical significance. After her tenure, she worked as a book editor in New York City. Kennedy was admired worldwide for her elegance, diplomacy, and cultural initiatives. She established the White House Historical Association and organized televised tours of the mansion. Her legacy endures through her contributions to arts, culture, and historic preservation.

Over a career spanning nearly five decades, John Feinstein began as one of the youngest writers for The Washington Post, covering college basketball games. He wrote more than 25 books, including best-sellers like A Season on the Brink and The Legends Club, earning praise for his access to top athletes and coaches. Feinstein reported on major events such as the NCAA Final Four and The Masters, bringing readers behind the scenes with vivid storytelling. As a commentator, he appeared on radio and television, offering expert analysis and interviews. He served as editor at Golf Digest and hosted programs on CBS and NPR, influencing the evolution of sports media. Feinstein received multiple awards, including the Curt Gowdy Media Award, and mentored young journalists through lectures and workshops.

In 1980, at age 21, Fox embarked on the Marathon of Hope, aiming to run across Canada on a prosthetic leg. He maintained an average of more than 40 kilometers per day, covering over 5 300 kilometers before his worsening condition forced him to stop in British Columbia. Fox’s determination captured the nation’s imagination, and donations poured in, establishing a fundraising model that continues with annual Terry Fox Runs worldwide. By the time of his death, his efforts had raised millions of dollars for cancer research and sparked a global movement. Fox was posthumously awarded the Order of Canada and inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, leaving a legacy of hope and perseverance.

Carvalho made his mark with the film To the Left of the Father, adapting Raduan Nassar’s novel into a poetic narrative praised at international film festivals. On television, he directed acclaimed miniseries such as Capitu and Hoje é Dia de Maria, blending stagecraft, literature, and dynamic cinematography. His collaborations with writers, designers, and composers create immersive worlds that challenge conventional storytelling. Carvalho’s unique visual aesthetic has earned him awards and recognition in Brazil and abroad. He leads workshops and teaches, fostering new talent and advocating for cultural production. His career continues to shape Brazilian cinema and television through bold artistic experimentation.

Sweet released her debut album as a teenager, earning acclaim for her mature vocal style and energetic stage presence. She appeared in films and television series, showcasing her talents as an actress. In the 1990s, she shifted to writing and producing for comedy and variety shows, bringing her musical sensibility to screen storytelling. Sweet’s ability to bridge performance and writing has made her a sought-after collaborator in the entertainment industry. She has also worked as a music consultant and vocal coach for emerging artists. Based in Los Angeles, she continues to explore new creative projects across media.