September 13

Born in AD 64 as the cherished daughter of Emperor Titus and Arrecina Tertulla. Though she held no formal power, her status influenced the politics and culture of the Flavian court. Renowned for her beauty and wit, she became one of the most visible women of her time. Her untimely death cut short a life entwined with imperial intrigue and familial ambition. Today, historians study her as a lens into the lives of women in early Imperial Rome.

Born into slavery in Richmond, Virginia, in 1818, Lucy Goode Brooks purchased her family's freedom. Witnessing the plight of orphaned Black children after the Civil War, she helped establish the Friends' Asylum for Colored Orphans in 1874. As the organization's president, she worked with Quaker allies to secure funding and housing. Brooks's dedication provided shelter, education, and hope to hundreds of children. She remained a tireless advocate for the welfare of African Americans until her death in 1900.

Born in 1857 in the Province of Posen, Drzymała resisted Prussian land settlement laws. Denied permission to build a house, he famously lived in a circus wagon to circumvent regulations. His 'Drzymała's wagon' became a powerful symbol of Polish national identity and grassroots protest. News of his struggle spread across Europe, drawing attention to the plight of Poles under German rule. He continued his activism until his death in 1937, remaining a folk hero in Polish history.

Stanley Lord was born in 1877 and pursued a career in the British merchant navy. In April 1912, as captain of the SS Californian, he encountered the RMS Titanic's distress rockets but did not respond with immediate rescue efforts, leading to public scrutiny and inquiries. The tragedy and his actions sparked debate over maritime safety and ship-to-ship protocols. Lord continued his service before retiring and lived until 1962.

Frits Thors began his career in journalism in the Netherlands, working as a reporter and newsreader in the early 20th century. He became a familiar voice to Dutch audiences through his work on radio news programs and talk shows. Known for his warm tone and clear delivery, he guided listeners through major historical events, including World War II and post-war reconstruction. Thors also contributed to print journalism, authoring columns and articles on politics and social issues. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards for journalistic excellence and public service. After retiring, he remained active as a media mentor, helping to train new generations of broadcasters. He is remembered as a pioneering figure in Dutch radio journalism.

Born in London, Leonard Feather was drawn to jazz from an early age and learned piano as a child. He moved to the United States in the 1940s, performing with notable jazz ensembles and recording as a bandleader. Feather's compositions and arrangements became standards in the jazz repertoire, reflecting his deep musicality. As a writer for DownBeat and other publications, he shaped public perceptions of jazz through reviews and profiles. He produced landmark albums, bringing together celebrated artists and fostering new talent in the genre. Feather also authored books on jazz history, cementing his role as a key chronicler of the music's development. His multifaceted career bridged performance, scholarship, and journalism, leaving an enduring influence on jazz culture.

Born in 1920, Else Holmelund Minarik began her career as a journalist before turning to children's literature. She wrote a series of warmly illustrated books that captured young readers' imaginations. Her simple yet charming storytelling style endeared her to families around the world. Minarik's works became staples in early reading programs and remained popular for generations. She received accolades for her contributions to children's education and literature. Until her death in 2012, she continued to write and inspire young minds through her stories.

Born in 1922, Caroline Duby Glassman built a distinguished career in law and public service. She served as a justice on her state's supreme court, where she earned respect for her judicious decisions. Glassman was known for her thoughtful opinions and commitment to fair judgment. Her decades of service contributed to the development of state jurisprudence. She mentored young lawyers and was recognized for her leadership within the legal community. Until her passing in 2013, she remained a respected figure in American law.

Born in 1923, Édouard Boubat developed a poetic style that captured the beauty of everyday life. He published photo essays in leading magazines, pairing striking images with thoughtful commentary. His work often focused on human subjects, natural landscapes, and moments of serene intimacy. Boubat received international awards for his photography and exhibited in prominent galleries. His journalistic background informed his empathetic approach to visual storytelling. Until his death in 1999, he continued to explore the world through his camera, leaving a rich photographic legacy.

Donald Mackay was an Australian businessman and community activist who led campaigns against drug trafficking in New South Wales. As a local cane farmer turned public figure, he organized petitions and lobby groups to expose organized crime's role in heroin distribution. Mackay faced threats for his activism and went missing in July 1977, with his disappearance leading to one of Australia's most infamous criminal investigations. His efforts brought national attention to the dangers of drug crime and organized gangs. Mackay's legacy endures in anti-drug advocacy and legal reforms inspired by his courage.

Andres Küng launched his career as a journalist, writing extensively on European politics and social issues. He later entered politics, becoming a prominent member of the Swedish Liberal Party. Throughout his career, he championed free speech, human rights, and stronger ties between European nations. As an editor and commentator, his articles influenced public debate and policy. Küng’s dual roles in media and politics allowed him to shape both public opinion and legislative action. He passed away in 2002, leaving a legacy of dedication to democratic principles.

Alain Ducasse is a celebrated French-Monégasque chef born in 1956 in Orthez, France. He earned his first Michelin star at age 27 and went on to amass a total of 21 stars across his restaurants, making him one of the most decorated chefs in history. Ducasse began his career working under master chefs such as Michel Guérard and the Troisgros family before opening his own restaurant in Paris. He expanded his culinary empire globally, with establishments in Monaco, New York, London, and Tokyo. Known for his emphasis on seasonal and sustainable ingredients, Ducasse has authored numerous cookbooks and founded culinary schools to train future chefs. His contributions have reshaped modern gastronomy and earned him international acclaim, including honors from the French Republic. Ducasse continues to innovate while mentoring the next generation of culinary talent.