September 18

Susan La Flesche Picotte was born in 1865 on the Omaha Reservation in Nebraska. In 1889, she graduated from the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania as the first Native American woman physician. She returned home to provide medical care without charge to the Omaha people and schoolchildren. Picotte advocated for public health improvements, campaigning for sanitation and alcohol prohibition on the reservation. She served as an interpreter and mediator, striving to preserve Omaha cultural heritage while improving community welfare. Her tireless efforts laid the foundation for future Native American healthcare initiatives. She died in 1915 after contracting influenza, remembered as a trailblazer in medicine and social justice.

Alan Watt was born in 1901 and joined the Australian Public Service in the Department of External Affairs, where he quickly gained a reputation for diplomatic skill. In 1955, he was appointed Ambassador to Japan, becoming one of the first senior Australian envoys to Tokyo after World War II. Watt played a key role in negotiating trade agreements and cultural exchanges, fostering goodwill between the two nations during a critical period of reconciliation and economic growth. After his tenure in Japan, he continued to serve in high-level diplomatic positions, including postings in Europe and Asia. He was known for his deep understanding of international law and commitment to multilateral cooperation. Watt retired in the late 1960s, leaving behind a legacy of strengthened Australia-Japan ties.

Born in Buffalo, New York, in 1997, Jamey Rodemeyer used social media and video blogs to speak openly about his experiences as a gay teen confronting harassment. He became a prominent voice in the It Gets Better project, sharing his message of hope and resilience to discourage LGBTQ+ youth from suicide. Rodemeyer's advocacy highlighted the emotional toll of bullying and the importance of acceptance and mental health support. His candid discussions and bravery drew national attention and inspired many young people to share their stories. Tragically, he took his own life in 2011 at the age of 14, prompting renewed discussions on anti-bullying measures in schools and online. Rodemeyer's legacy endures in ongoing campaigns and educational programs dedicated to protecting vulnerable youth and fostering inclusive communities.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the second woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court, earning renown as a champion of gender equality and civil liberties. After graduating top of her class at Columbia Law School, she co-founded the ACLU Women's Rights Project and argued landmark cases that dismantled legal gender discrimination. Appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1993, she authored important majority opinions on voting rights and employment law, and her powerful dissents earned her the nickname 'Notorious RBG.' Prior to the Supreme Court, she served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and taught law at Rutgers and Columbia. Ginsburg’s tireless advocacy had a profound impact on American jurisprudence and inspired generations of lawyers and activists. Even in her later years, she remained a cultural figure and symbol of perseverance until her death in 2020.

Kesaria Abramidze was a Georgian blogger whose fashion and lifestyle insights garnered a large social media following. She parlayed her online success into a modeling career, working for top regional brands and gracing magazine covers. In 2015, she made her acting debut in a popular Georgian television drama, showcasing her versatility on screen. Abramidze received critical praise for her subsequent roles in independent films and stage productions. Known for her stylish presence and entrepreneurial spirit, she also launched a line of beauty products. Her unexpected passing in 2024 was mourned by fans and colleagues across the creative community.