September 17

Born in 1645 to Gaston, Duke of Orléans, and Duchess Marguerite de Lorraine. She married Cosimo III de' Medici in 1661 and became Grand Duchess of Tuscany. Her turbulent marriage was marked by personal conflicts and political intrigue. Unhappy with court life in Florence, she clashed with her husband and sought to return to France. After years of separation, she resettled in France under her mother's care. Her life illustrates the challenges of dynastic marriages in early modern Europe.

Dred Scott was born into slavery around 1795 in Southampton County, Virginia. Living with his owner in free territories, he filed suit for his freedom in 1846. His case reached the U.S. Supreme Court in 1857, which ruled that people of African descent could not be American citizens. This decision denied Scott and millions of other enslaved individuals basic constitutional protections. The ruling intensified sectional conflict and is considered a contributing factor to the Civil War. Although enslaved again after the decision, Scott was freed by his owners in May 1857. He spent his final year in St. Louis, Missouri, working as a porter. Scott died on September 17, 1858, but his legacy endures as a symbol of the struggle for civil rights.

Christian Nyby began his career as an editor and assistant director in Hollywood, working on films such as The Thing from Another World. He transitioned to television, directing episodes of popular series including Wagon Train, Bonanza, and Rawhide. Nyby also directed several installments of the original Star Trek series. His efficient storytelling and steady hand made him a sought-after director in the early days of American television. In addition to directing, he produced several TV movies. Nyby passed away in 1993, leaving behind a diverse body of work that helped shape TV drama.

Georgiy Gongadze (1969–2000) was a Ukrainian journalist and documentary director known for his fearless reporting on government corruption. Born to a Georgian family in Kyiv, he became an editor at the independent online publication Ukrayinska Pravda. Gongadze's investigative work challenged political malfeasance, earning him both admiration and enemies. In September 2000, he disappeared, and his decapitated body was discovered weeks later, igniting the 'Cassette Scandal' in Ukraine. His death exposed systemic abuses of power and galvanized the movement for democratic reform. Gongadze is remembered as a martyr for freedom of the press, with awards and memorials honoring his commitment to truth.

Noordin Mohammad Top (1968–2009) was a key figure in the Jemaah Islamiyah extremist group. He orchestrated multiple bombing attacks in Indonesia and Malaysia, targeting civilian venues. Known for his technical expertise in explosive devices, he became one of the most wanted terrorists in the region. Noordin evaded capture for years before being killed in a police raid in Jakarta. His death marked a significant blow to militant operations in Southeast Asia.

Kristian Gidlund (1983–2013) rose to fame as the drummer for the influential Swedish indie rock band Broder Daniel. After the band’s success, he pursued journalism, writing for major Swedish publications and sharing insights on music and culture. Gidlund’s candid blog chronicling his battle with cancer earned widespread attention and led to a bestselling memoir. His openness inspired many, making him a celebrated figure beyond the music scene. Although his life was cut short, his artistic and journalistic contributions continue to resonate.

Milo Hamilton (1927-2015) was a distinguished American sportscaster whose career spanned seven decades in Major League Baseball broadcasting. He provided play-by-play commentary for teams including the St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Astros, Atlanta Braves, and Chicago Cubs. Hamilton earned widespread recognition for his engaging storytelling style and memorable calls, such as Hank Aaron's 715th home run. In 1992, he received the prestigious Ford C. Frick Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the sport's premier voices. Beyond baseball, he also covered other sports events and mentored aspiring broadcasters through workshops and lectures. His passionate delivery and deep knowledge of the game endeared him to generations of baseball fans. Hamilton's contributions helped shape the field of sports broadcasting, leaving an enduring impact on the industry.

Cokie Roberts (1943-2019) was a trailblazing American journalist whose career spanned over four decades in radio, television, and print. As a contributing senior news analyst for National Public Radio (NPR) and a political commentator for ABC News, she became a trusted voice on American politics and public affairs. Roberts authored several bestselling books exploring American history, politics, and the role of women in society, earning acclaim for her engaging storytelling and thorough research. She was known for her calm demeanor, sharp intellect, and commitment to accurate, balanced reporting. Throughout her career, Roberts received multiple awards, including Emmys and Peabody Awards, recognizing her contributions to journalism. She also championed initiatives to encourage women to pursue careers in media and public service. Roberts's legacy lives on through her groundbreaking work and the many journalists she inspired.