September 30

Born in 1804, Svinhufvud served as treasurer of Tavastia province during a period of administrative reforms in Finland. He managed local estates and contributed to the economic development of his region. Known for his stewardship of manor affairs, he upheld the responsibilities of the Swedish-speaking Finnish gentry. His family legacy continued through his grandson, Pehr Evind Svinhufvud, who became President of Finland. He died in 1866, leaving a familial heritage that influenced Finnish public life.

Born in 1887 in Lithuania, Fanya Baron embraced anarchist ideals early in life and became active in revolutionary circles. She championed direct action, anti-authoritarianism, and the establishment of egalitarian communities. Baron's writings and speeches circulated among European activist groups, inspiring many with her vision of social justice. She faced severe persecution and was arrested multiple times for her beliefs. Baron died in 1921, remembered as a fearless advocate for radical change.

Born in St. Louis in 1936, Drew Shafer was an early advocate for LGBT rights in the United States. In 1969, he co-founded the first gay community center in Kansas City, providing resources and support. Shafer published one of the nation’s earliest gay rights newsletters, fostering communication among activists. He organized demonstrations and educational programs to combat stigma and promote legal protections. Though his work predated the national movement’s growth, he laid groundwork for future advocacy. Drew Shafer passed away on September 30, 1989, remembered as a groundbreaking grassroots organizer.

Born in 1935, Yusuf Bey emerged as a charismatic figure in Oakland's African American community. He established Your Black Muslim Bakery in the 1960s, creating both a successful business and a gathering place for local residents. Under his guidance, the bakery expanded and became known for its cultural and economic empowerment initiatives. Bey used the bakery as a platform to advocate for self-reliance and community solidarity. His leadership style and methods later became the subject of controversy, overshadowing some of his early achievements. He died in 2003, leaving a complex legacy as both a pioneering activist and entrepreneur.

Born in Maryland in 1913, Clara Stanton Jones became a pioneering figure in library science. In 1970, she was appointed director of the Detroit Public Library, becoming the first African-American and first woman to lead a major public library in the United States. Jones served as president of the American Library Association from 1976 to 1977, advocating for civil rights and equitable access to information. She championed community outreach, expanded library services, and promoted literacy programs for underserved populations. Her leadership paved the way for greater diversity and inclusion in library administration.

Born Sara Steinfeld in 1925, Sonia Orbuch survived the Holocaust by escaping from the Warsaw Ghetto and joining a partisan unit in the forests of Eastern Europe. After World War II, she emigrated to the United States and dedicated her life to teaching about the Holocaust. Orbuch authored memoirs recounting her experiences, offering personal insights into the horrors of genocide and the resilience of the human spirit. She lectured at schools, universities, and museums, emphasizing lessons of tolerance and remembrance. Orbuch's firsthand testimony and educational efforts had a profound impact on Holocaust awareness before her death in 2018.