August 20

Henry Every, also known as Avery, commanded the ship Fancy and conducted one of the most profitable pirate raids in history. In 1695, he captured the Mughal ship Ganj-i-Sawai, seizing treasures that sparked diplomatic tensions with India. He was one of the few pirate captains to retire with his loot, disappearing from records after 1696. Every’s exploits fueled the so-called Golden Age of Piracy, inspiring legends and fear among maritime powers. Despite a large reward for his capture, his fate remains a mystery, contributing to his enduring notoriety. Stories of his daring and success influenced pirate lore in literature and popular culture for centuries.

Born in Port Elizabeth in 1865, Bernard Tancred became one of South Africa's earliest Test cricketers. A right-handed batsman known for his elegant style, he played in South Africa's first recognized international matches in 1889. Tancred captained provincial teams and was instrumental in founding the Wanderers Cricket Club. Beyond the pitch, he qualified as a lawyer and built a successful legal practice in Johannesburg. His dual legacy in sport and law left a lasting impact on South African society.

Born in 1887 in Hanoi, Phan Khôi emerged as a leading voice in early 20th-century Vietnamese intellectual circles. As a journalist, he edited progressive journals advocating for the use of the modern quốc ngữ script. Phan Khôi critiqued traditional literati values and promoted new literary forms inspired by Western ideas. He also researched Vietnamese history and folklore, publishing influential essays. His efforts laid the groundwork for Vietnam's cultural renaissance. Despite political repression, his contributions to literature and scholarship shaped modern Vietnamese identity.

Ivo Rojnica was born in 1915 in what was then the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. After World War II, he emigrated to Argentina and established a successful business career. He served as a diplomatic representative for the Croatian exile government and was active in intelligence circles during the Cold War. Allegations of his involvement in wartime activities have sparked ongoing historical investigations. Despite controversies, Rojnica maintained influence among expatriate communities and in diplomatic channels. He died in Buenos Aires in 2007, leaving a disputed legacy shaped by both entrepreneurship and political intrigue.

Peter Oakley (1927–2014) was a British veteran who served in the Royal Army Pay Corps and fought in Italy during World War II. Decades later, at age 79, he launched a YouTube channel under the name ‘geriatric1927’, sharing personal memories and reflections on his life and wartime experiences. His warm storytelling and candid anecdotes resonated with millions of viewers, making him one of the platform’s first elderly internet celebrities. Oakley’s videos provided a unique window into 20th-century history and sparked online communities of veterans and history enthusiasts. He went on to publish a memoir and remained an active blogger until his passing in 2014, highlighting the power of digital media to preserve personal histories.

Roger Gale (born 1943) is an English journalist and Conservative politician. He began his working life in journalism, writing for various publications. In 1983, he was elected as Member of Parliament for North Thanet. Gale served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons between 2010 and 2013. From 2014 to 2023, he chaired the Defence Select Committee, overseeing key military inquiries. He is recognized for his commitment to his constituents and contributions to national defence policy. Gale remains active in politics and public debates on current affairs.

Henryk Broder (born 20 August 1946) is a Polish-German journalist and author. He has contributed to major German newspapers and magazines, covering politics, society, and culture. Broder's writing is marked by its incisive analysis and candid style. He has published several books exploring contemporary issues. His work has attracted both praise and controversy for its outspoken viewpoints. Broder continues to engage audiences through his journalism and public speaking.

Connie Chung (born 20 August 1946) is an American journalist and news anchor with a career spanning several decades. She became the second woman in U.S. history to co-anchor a major network evening news program. Chung has reported for CBS, NBC, CNN, PBS, and MSNBC, conducting high-profile interviews with global leaders and celebrities. Known for her versatility and poise, she has earned multiple awards for her reporting. Chung's legacy includes breaking barriers for Asian-American journalists.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Menello developed a passion for film criticism and programming before entering the world of screenwriting. He collaborated with director Charlie Ahearn to co-write 'Wild Style' (1983), often cited as the first hip-hop motion picture and a cornerstone of urban culture. Menello later co-wrote the crime drama 'King of New York' (1990) with Abel Ferrara, earning acclaim for his gritty, authentic dialogue. As a film programmer at Anthology Film Archives, he championed independent and experimental filmmakers. Menello taught screenwriting workshops and influenced a generation of urban storytellers. His work bridged the gap between underground culture and mainstream cinema, leaving a lasting legacy in both worlds.

Tawn Mastrey was an American radio DJ and producer who earned the nickname 'The Leather Nun' for her edgy style and dedication to rock music. Starting in the late 1970s, she broke ground at stations such as KSJO in San Jose and WNEW-FM in New York, championing punk and heavy metal acts. Mastrey hosted syndicated rock shows and helped introduce bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden to American audiences. She served as program director and producer for major radio stations, shaping the sound of album-oriented rock. Beyond broadcasting, she was a mentor to aspiring DJs and a respected voice in the rock community. Mastrey passed away in 2007, leaving a legacy of fearlessness and passion for music.

Albert Lincoln Roker Jr. is an American weather anchor, television personality, and author best known for his role on NBC’s Today show since 1996. Born in Queens, New York, he began his broadcasting career at WNBC before joining the national Today program. Roker’s approachable style and engaging sidekick segments have made him a household name. He holds multiple Guinness World Records for the longest career as a television weather forecaster. Beyond forecasting, Roker has written several books on his life and cooking, and he has appeared in films and on Broadway. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts, including raising awareness for cancer research. His energetic presence and warmth have endeared him to audiences for decades.

John Stehr is an American journalist and television news anchor known for his work with NBC News and WTHR in Indianapolis. He began his career as a reporter and producer for NBC News, covering European events from London and Paris. In 2000, he joined WTHR, the NBC affiliate in Indianapolis, where he anchors the evening news and reports on major local stories. Stehr has earned multiple regional Emmy Awards for investigative reporting and community journalism. His clear, authoritative delivery and commitment to in-depth coverage have made him a trusted voice in the Midwest. Born in State College, Pennsylvania, he holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and actively engages in mentoring aspiring broadcasters.