September 10

Mamie Dillard was born in 1874 in the United States and became an influential African American educator. She taught in segregated schools and worked tirelessly to improve educational opportunities for Black students. Dillard was a founding member of local women’s clubs that focused on civic uplift and community service. As a suffragist, she campaigned for women’s voting rights and civic participation long before the 19th Amendment. She collaborated with national organizations to advance civil rights and secure educational reform. Her leadership in club movements inspired future generations of African American women activists. Dillard died in 1954, remembered for her lasting contributions to education and social justice.

Laura Cornelius Kellogg was born in 1880 on the Oneida Reservation in Wisconsin. She became a prominent Native American activist and leader of the Society of American Indians. Kellogg authored the 'Lolomi Plan,' advocating for Indigenous self-governance and land stewardship. She lectured across the United States to raise awareness of Native American rights and culture. Kellogg worked closely with government agencies to pursue land claims and educational reforms. Her writings and speeches influenced policy and inspired later generations of Indigenous activists. She died in 1947, remembered as a trailblazer for Native American sovereignty and cultural preservation.

Born in 1934 in Wilmington, North Carolina, Charles Kuralt began his career as a print journalist before joining CBS News in 1961. He covered the civil rights movement and presidential campaigns before launching the popular "On the Road" travel segments in 1967. His warm storytelling style brought intimate portraits of everyday Americans to a national audience. Kuralt won Emmy and Peabody Awards for his work and served as a mentor to younger correspondents. He retired from daily reporting in 1994 but continued to write until his passing in 1997. His legacy lives on in the art of narrative journalism.

Born in 1948, Margaret Trudeau married Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau at age 20, becoming a prominent figure in Canadian public life. She hosted and produced talk shows and appeared in films, showcasing her talents as a media personality. As the mother of future Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, she has remained in the public eye. Margaret has spoken openly about her struggles with mental health, becoming an advocate for bipolar disorder awareness. Her candid autobiography and charitable work have inspired many across Canada and beyond.

A former price analyst turned activist, Benjamin launched Code Pink in 2002 to oppose the Iraq War and military interventions. She has led protests at the White House, NATO summits, and the United Nations, often engaging in civil disobedience. Benjamin co-founded Global Exchange in 1988, championing fair trade and social justice initiatives worldwide. Author of books such as "Drone Warfare" and "Kingdom of the Unjust," she critiques U.S. foreign policy and economic inequality. Her outspoken style and media-savvy tactics have made her a prominent voice in the anti-war movement. Benjamin continues to organize campaigns on issues from climate justice to refugee rights, inspiring activists globally.

Jackie Ashley is an English journalist and broadcaster whose career spans print and broadcast media. She studied philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford University before joining The Guardian. Ashley served as chief political correspondent and later as political editor at New Statesman. She has presented political analysis programs for the BBC and hosted radio shows. A respected commentator, she has written extensively on British politics and contributed to public debates on policy and governance.

Chris Columbus is an American filmmaker whose directorial debut Home Alone became one of the highest-grossing comedies of all time. He directed beloved family classics such as Mrs. Doubtfire and the first two Harry Potter films, setting box office records and helping launch one of the most successful film franchises in history. As a screenwriter, Columbus penned the screenplays for films like Adventures in Babysitting and Gremlins. He founded the production company 1492 Pictures and has produced films including Night at the Museum. His work is celebrated for its blend of humor, heart and family-friendly storytelling.

Guy Ritchie is an English film director, producer, and screenwriter born in 1968. He gained international acclaim with his 1998 debut feature, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, which showcased his dynamic editing and gritty humor. Ritchie's follow-up film, Snatch, solidified his reputation for ensemble casts and witty dialogue. He later directed high-profile Hollywood projects including the Sherlock Holmes series starring Robert Downey Jr. His movies blend crime, comedy, and stylized action, influencing a generation of filmmakers. Ritchie continues to produce and direct, exploring diverse genres while maintaining his signature style.

Dan O'Toole is a Canadian sportscaster renowned for his dynamic broadcasting style and on-air chemistry with co-host Jay Onrait. He rose to prominence hosting TSN's SportsCentre, where his wit and humor captivated viewers. O'Toole and Onrait later joined Fox Sports 1 in the United States to host their flagship show. He has covered major sporting events, including the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the Olympics. After returning to Canada, he continued his career at TSN, cementing his status as a beloved figure in sports media. O'Toole's engaging personality and passion for sports have made him a fan favorite.

Tetsuya Yamagami (born 10 September 1980) is the man who fatally shot former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on 8 July 2022 during a campaign speech in Nara. A former member of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, he became resentful after his mother's heavy financial donations to the Unification Church led to their family's bankruptcy. Yamagami used a homemade firearm to carry out the attack, which sparked nationwide discussions on security protocols and the influence of religious organizations in Japan. He was arrested at the scene, subsequently convicted, and sentenced to death. His case continues to provoke debate on legal and social reforms.

Jared Lee Loughner was born on September 10, 1988, in Tucson, Arizona. On January 8, 2011, he opened fire at a constituent meeting, killing six people and wounding 13, including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. He pleaded guilty to 19 charges in 2012 after being found mentally competent to stand trial. Loughner was sentenced to life in prison without parole plus 140 years in August 2012. His case spurred nationwide discussions on mental health, gun control, and political rhetoric. He is currently serving his sentence at a federal prison in Arizona.