September 23

Princess Juliane of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld was born in 1781 into a prominent German ducal family. As a member of the House of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, she witnessed the political and social upheavals of the Napoleonic era. Though she did not hold ruling power, her status exemplified the intricate alliances among European royal houses. She spent much of her life engaged in courtly duties, patronage, and family affairs within various German principalities. Juliane’s life reflects the experiences of women in aristocracy during a time of rapid change in Europe, and she remained a respected figure until her death in 1860.

Mary Mallon was born in Ireland in 1869 and emigrated to New York City, where she worked as a cook for affluent families. Unwittingly, she carried the typhoid fever bacterium and infected dozens of people over several years. Public health officials traced outbreaks to her kitchens, and in 1907 she was forcibly quarantined on North Brother Island. Despite being released after promising to stop cooking professionally, she resumed her work and was returned to isolation in 1915. Mallon spent over two decades confined before her death in 1938, becoming a symbol of public health challenges and individual rights.

Walter Lippmann was born in New York City in 1889 and graduated from Harvard University before embarking on a career in journalism. In 1914, he co-founded The New Republic, shaping progressive discourse on domestic and foreign policy. His 1922 book, "Public Opinion," introduced new concepts about media influence and stereotypes in shaping public perceptions. Lippmann won two Pulitzer Prizes for his syndicated columns and served as an advisor to U.S. presidents on international affairs. His writings and ideas left a lasting impact on journalism and public opinion studies until his death in 1974.

Born in 1895 in the Russian Empire, Miron Merzhanov trained as an engineer before becoming an architect. He rose to prominence in the 1930s as one of Joseph Stalin’s favored architects, designing lavish government buildings and luxury residences. His style combined neoclassical elements with emerging Soviet monumentalism. Despite his early success, Merzhanov fell victim to political purges and was exiled to Alma-Ata, where he continued to work on public projects. He returned to Moscow in later years and left a legacy of iconic structures that reflect the ambitions of Stalinist architecture.

Heikal joined the Cairo-based newspaper Al-Ahram in 1952 and rose to become its editor-in-chief. A close confidant of President Gamal Abdel Nasser, he offered unique perspectives on Arab nationalism and pan-Arab policies. His weekly column 'Bi-Saraha' ('Frankly Speaking') reached millions of readers across the Arab world. Heikal authored several books on Egyptian politics and Middle Eastern affairs, earning international recognition. Even after stepping down from Al-Ahram, he remained a sought-after commentator on regional and global issues.

Chamorro took over the family newspaper La Prensa in the 1950s and transformed it into a voice against the Somoza dictatorship. His investigative reporting exposed government corruption and human rights abuses, rallying public opposition. On January 10, 1978, he was assassinated outside his home, an event that sparked mass protests across Nicaragua. The ensuing unrest contributed directly to the Sandinista uprising and the eventual overthrow of the Somoza regime. Chamorro is remembered as a martyr for press freedom and democratic reform in Latin America.

Cassagnes devised the Etch A Sketch in 1959 while experimenting with aluminum powder and drafting tools. He licensed the toy to the Ohio Art Company in 1960, where it quickly became a global phenomenon. Often called 'The Magic Screen,' it allowed children to draw and erase images with a simple shake. Over 100 million units have been sold worldwide, making it one of the best-selling toys ever. Cassagnes continued inventing educational games and held several patents before his death in 2013.

Born in Washington, D.C. in 1928, Roger Grimsby built a reputation as a hard‐hitting news anchor in New York City at WABC and WNBC. He pioneered a more conversational and personable style of broadcast journalism. Grimsby also appeared in films such as The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, showcasing his distinctive persona. His fearless reporting and recognizable delivery influenced generations of TV journalists. He retired in 1986 and passed away in 1995.

George Jackson was born in Chicago in 1941 and became an activist after being incarcerated for armed robbery at age 18. While in San Quentin Prison, he authored 'Soledad Brother,' a powerful critique of racial injustice in the U.S. prison system. In 1966, he co-founded the Black Guerrilla Family, advocating for revolutionary change and prisoner rights. Jackson's writings influenced the Black Power movement and mobilized support for prison reform. He was killed during an attempted escape in 1971, leaving a lasting impact on civil rights and literature.

Born in Toulouse in 1946, Bernard Maris became a professor at the University of Paris VIII and authored several books on monetary theory and globalization. A founding member of the activist group Attac, he championed tax justice and financial regulation in Europe. Writing under the pseudonym Oncle Bernard in Charlie Hebdo, Maris combined sharp economic critique with accessible humor. He also contributed to major publications like Le Monde and taught widely on economic democracy. His career was tragically cut short when he was killed in the 2015 Charlie Hebdo attack, but his writings continue to influence debates on social justice and economic reform.

Born in Bristol, England, Witchell joined the BBC in 1976 and has served as a foreign correspondent in Moscow and Africa. Since 1988, he has been the BBC's royal correspondent, reporting on key events such as royal weddings and state funerals. Witchell gained attention for his on-screen encounters with Diana, Princess of Wales, including her revealing 1995 interview. His career spans over four decades, making him one of the most experienced faces of British television journalism. He has covered major news stories worldwide and continues to report on the British monarchy and international affairs.