September 22

Christabel Pankhurst was born in 1880 in Manchester into a family of political activists. She co-founded the Women's Social and Political Union with her mother Emmeline Pankhurst to campaign for women's suffrage in the United Kingdom. Known for her fiery speeches and daring protests, she organized marches, demonstrations, and hunger strikes. During World War I, she paused militant activities to support the war effort and promote women's roles in national service. After the war, she continued to advocate for equal political rights and lectured internationally. Her leadership helped secure the Representation of the People Act 1918, granting some women the right to vote. She died in 1958, leaving a lasting legacy in the fight for gender equality.

Bhaurao Patil was born in 1887 in Maharashtra and dedicated his life to expanding educational opportunities for rural communities. Known as 'Karmaveer' (work hero), he founded the Rayat Education Society in 1924 to establish schools and colleges for underrepresented castes. Patil's approach combined practical skills training with academic learning to empower students to improve their social and economic standing. His advocacy extended to adult education and community development programs across western India. He worked tirelessly to secure funding and government support, overcoming social barriers to make education accessible. Patil's efforts laid a foundation for regional educational reforms, and he remains celebrated as a pioneer of mass education in India. He died in 1959.

Born into a revolutionary family in Russia in 1901. At age 18, she married Joseph Stalin and became his companion and mother to their two children. Known for her intelligence and strong personality, she maintained a salon for Bolshevik intellectuals. Her marriage suffered from the strains of Stalin’s political life and her own health struggles. She died in 1932 under mysterious circumstances, officially ruled a suicide. Her death deeply affected Stalin and remains a subject of historical speculation.

Born in 1906 in Germany, Ilse Koch married the commander of Buchenwald concentration camp in 1936. She became infamous for her cruelty, reportedly selecting prisoners for brutal treatment and collecting items made from human skin. After World War II, she was tried and convicted for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Her first life sentence was commuted, then reinstated after public outcry, and she died by suicide in prison in 1967. Her actions remain a stark example of the human capacity for brutality under totalitarian regimes. She is often referred to as the 'Witch of Buchenwald.'

Born in 1909, John Engstead began his career photographing Hollywood celebrities in the golden age of studio portraiture. Over decades he captured iconic images of actors and actresses for leading magazines and film studios. His work appeared in publications such as Life, Vogue, and Harper's Bazaar, showcasing his mastery of lighting and composition. In addition to his photography, Engstead wrote extensively on the art of portraiture and photographic techniques. His images helped define the visual style of mid-20th-century glamour photography. Engstead's legacy continues to influence portrait photographers around the world.

Hans Scholl was born in 1918 in Ingersheim, Germany, and studied at the University of Munich. Alongside his sister Sophie, he founded the White Rose group to oppose Hitler's regime through clandestine leafleting. The group's pamphlets called for passive resistance and appealed to the moral conscience of German citizens. Arrested in 1943, Scholl was executed at just 24 years old, becoming a symbol of courage and integrity. His legacy endures as a testament to peaceful resistance against tyranny.

Eric Baker was born in 1920 in Bristol, England, and dedicated his life to social justice and humanitarian causes. He played a key role in founding Amnesty International in 1961, recruiting Peter Benenson and shaping the organization's mission. Under his guidance, Amnesty grew into a global movement advocating for the release of political prisoners. Baker also worked with War on Want, focusing on poverty and human rights issues in developing countries. His leadership helped establish modern human rights advocacy as a powerful force for change.

David Sive was born in 1922 in Brooklyn and became one of the United States' first environmental lawyers. He argued the landmark Scenic Hudson case in 1965, securing legal standing for citizen groups in environmental disputes. Sive's victories laid the foundation for significant environmental legislation, including the National Environmental Policy Act and the Clean Water Act. He co-founded the Natural Resources Defense Council and taught environmental law at several universities. His scholarly articles and courtroom successes established environmental advocacy as a recognized legal field. Sive's pioneering work continues to influence environmental policy and legal practice.

Born in Ceylon, Sinnathuray migrated to Singapore and pursued a legal career. He was appointed to the High Court of Singapore in 1981 and served until his retirement in 1997. Sinnathuray presided over landmark cases that shaped corporate and administrative law. He was known for his clear judgments and efforts to modernize court procedures. As a mentor, he guided young lawyers and promoted legal education in the region. After retiring, he continued to contribute through arbitration and legal scholarship. His work helped strengthen Singapore’s judiciary during a period of rapid growth.

Norma McCorvey was the plaintiff in Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the United States. Using the pseudonym ‘Jane Roe,’ she became a symbol of the pro-choice movement. In later years, McCorvey publicly reversed her stance and advocated for the pro-life cause, drawing wide media attention. Her personal story of transformation has been the subject of books and documentaries. She spent her life at the center of America’s most heated social and political debate until her death in 2017.

Beth Catlin gained attention in the 1970s and 1980s for her remarkable memory feats, including recalling thousands of details many years later. Diagnosed with autism at an early age, she demonstrated abilities such as calendar calculation and complex mental arithmetic. Catlin's skills contributed to scientific research on autism and savant syndrome. She has appeared on television programs and in documentaries exploring cognitive development. Her story continues to inspire discussions on neurodiversity and human potential.

Neil Cavuto has been a prominent figure in business journalism since the late 1980s. As host of shows like 'Your World with Neil Cavuto,' he analyzes financial markets and economic trends for millions of viewers. Cavuto earned a reputation for clear reporting and insightful interviews with industry leaders. He has authored books on markets and politics, reflecting on his own experiences overcoming serious health challenges. His career spans several decades at Fox, where he remains a trusted voice in television news.