September 11

Beatrice Cenci was born into a noble Roman family in 1577 and became infamous for her involvement in the murder of her abusive father, Francesco Cenci. Tried and executed at the age of 22, her story elicited widespread sympathy and debate about justice and tyranny. Her trial and execution were chronicled by contemporaries and later inspired numerous works by poets, painters, and playwrights. Beatrice's portrait by Guido Reni and other artists cemented her image as a martyr. She is remembered as a symbol of resistance against domestic violence and noble privilege.

Born in Freeport, Illinois in 1878, Ralph C. Smedley began his career as a teacher and YMCA secretary. In 1924, he organized the first Toastmasters club in Santa Ana, California, aiming to improve men's speaking abilities. He authored the seminal Toastmasters manuals and oversaw the organization's rapid expansion into a global network. Under his leadership, Toastmasters International established a structured program of speeches and leadership exercises that empowered members worldwide. Smedley served as the organization's first executive secretary and remained actively involved until his death in 1965. His vision laid the foundation for what would become one of the world's largest nonprofits dedicated to communication and leadership development.

Antoine Izméry was a leading Haitian entrepreneur and outspoken critic of authoritarian rule. He championed human rights and fair elections, playing a pivotal role in Haiti's democracy movement. As president of a local foundation, he organized civic education and monitored electoral processes. Following the 1991 military coup, he denounced abuses and called for reinstatement of constitutional government. Izméry was tragically assassinated during a coup attempt in 1993, becoming a symbol for political reform in Haiti.