September 19

Born in 1883 in Philadelphia, Vernon began her career as a teacher before devoting herself to social reform. She joined the National Woman’s Party and led national campaigns, including organizing White House pickets for the right to vote. Vernon used her skills in public speaking and strategy to coordinate marches and lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill. After the 19th Amendment’s ratification, she continued her work on international peace and educational initiatives. Vernon traveled to Europe to promote disarmament and later taught at various institutions. She died in 1975, remembered as a dedicated advocate for women’s rights and social justice.

Born in 1905, Leon Jaworski co-founded the major Houston law firm Fulbright & Jaworski and served as a U.S. Army officer during World War II. In 1973, he was appointed Special Prosecutor for the Watergate investigation and famously obtained the White House tapes that led to President Nixon’s resignation. Jaworski also served as president of the American Bar Association and was celebrated for his unwavering commitment to the rule of law. He died in 1982, leaving a legacy as one of America’s foremost legal figures.

Born in 1907 in Virginia, Lewis F. Powell Jr. practiced law in Richmond before serving as a U.S. Army Air Corps officer in World War II. Appointed by President Nixon, he joined the Supreme Court in 1972 and authored landmark opinions on antitrust law, affirmative action, and First Amendment rights. His pragmatic centrist approach shaped key decisions for over a decade. Powell’s 1971 corporate memo also influenced business engagement in politics. He retired in 1987 and continued contributing to international law until his death in 1998.

W. Reece Smith Jr. devoted his career to legal scholarship and training future generations of attorneys. He served as a prominent professor and administrator at the University of Florida College of Law, shaping its academic programs. Smith held leadership positions in state and national bar associations, advocating for professional standards. He authored influential articles on legal ethics and practice, earning respect among colleagues and students alike. His mentorship and dedication left an enduring legacy in American legal education.

Victoria Barbă was a pioneering animated film director in Moldova, creating visually rich short films inspired by local legends. She championed animation as an art form, founding workshops to train young artists in traditional and experimental techniques. Her films were featured at international festivals, bringing attention to Eastern European animation on the world stage. Barbă also collaborated with cultural institutions to preserve and adapt folk tales through animation. Her legacy endures in the animators she mentored and the stories she brought to life on screen.

Bettye Lane pioneered documentary photography during the height of the civil rights and feminist movements. Born in 1930, she captured iconic images of marches, protests, and pivotal moments in social justice history. Her work in The Washington Post and The New York Times brought attention to LGBTQ+ activism and women’s liberation. Lane's photographs are celebrated for their empathy and ability to humanize the subjects she documented. She published photo essays and books highlighting the struggle for equality and the resilience of protesters. Lane’s legacy endures through exhibits of her work in museums and archives dedicated to social change.

Barry Scheck earned his law degree from Yale and became a pioneer in using DNA evidence to challenge wrongful convictions. In 1992, he co-founded the Innocence Project at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, which has since freed over 300 inmates. Scheck's work has transformed criminal justice procedures and inspired reforms in forensic science. He has testified before Congress and lectured at universities worldwide on the importance of accurate legal representation. Beyond courtrooms, Scheck authored books on legal advocacy and appeared in documentaries highlighting systemic issues. His relentless pursuit of justice has reshaped public understanding of forensic evidence and exoneration.

Joan Lunden began her broadcasting career in local news before joining ABC's Good Morning America in 1980. Over 18 years as co-host, she became a familiar face to millions, covering global events from the fall of the Berlin Wall to presidential elections. Lunden also authored numerous books on health, pregnancy, and personal growth, sharing her own experiences. After leaving GMA, she hosted programs on the Health Channel and created documentaries focusing on wellness and women's issues. As a breast cancer and COVID-19 survivor, she has become a prominent advocate for health awareness. Lunden's versatility as a journalist and broadcaster has made her an enduring media figure and inspirational role model.

Mario Batali is an American chef, restaurateur, and author who rose to prominence with his Italian cooking style and vibrant personality. He co-founded the acclaimed Babbo restaurant in New York City, earning a Michelin star and praise for authentic Italian dishes. As a television personality, Batali hosted "Molto Mario" on the Food Network, introducing audiences to simple yet flavorful cooking techniques. He has authored several bestselling cookbooks, including "Molto Italiano" and "Italian Grill". Batali’s passion for farm-to-table ingredients and regional Italian traditions has influenced chefs worldwide. Despite later facing industry controversies, his impact on popularizing Italian cuisine in America remains significant.

Yolanda Saldívar was the president of Selena Quintanilla's fan club and manager of her boutiques before being convicted of murdering the Grammy-winning singer in 1995. In March of that year, Saldívar shot Selena, an event that shocked music fans worldwide and ended Selena's life at age 23. Her trial captivated the public, resulting in a life sentence and sparking discussions about trust and betrayal in personal relationships. Serving her sentence in a Texas correctional facility, Saldívar remains incarcerated. The tragedy of Selena's death continues to resonate in popular culture, with Saldívar’s actions marking one of music history's most infamous crimes.

Ken Rosenthal is an American sports journalist and broadcaster renowned for his insider analysis of Major League Baseball. He has served as a reporter and columnist for The Athletic and as a field reporter for Fox Sports and MLB Network. Rosenthal's work includes breaking news stories, investigative pieces, and live game reporting, all characterized by accurate sourcing and insightful commentary. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has become a trusted voice in baseball journalism. His reporting continues to shape public understanding of player performance, trades, and league developments.

Soledad O'Brien is an award-winning journalist and television producer. She has anchored for CNN, hosting American Morning and reporting on major global events. O'Brien founded Starfish Media Group to produce documentaries focusing on race, class, and culture. Her work includes the acclaimed Black in America and Latino in America series. She has received numerous honors for her investigative reporting and storytelling. O'Brien is a prominent voice in discussions on diversity and social issues.