October 06

Archduchess Maria Anna, nicknamed 'Marianne', was the eldest daughter of Holy Roman Emperor Francis I and Empress Maria Theresa. Raised in the Habsburg court, she received extensive education in the arts and languages, earning praise for her musical talents. Known for her piety and intelligence, she served as a companion to her mother and influenced court culture. Despite proposed marriage alliances, she remained in Vienna and devoted herself to charitable works. Her portraits by artists such as Heinrich Carl Brandt reflect her status and grace as a Habsburg princess.

David Howard (1896–1941) was an American film director best known for his work in the Western genre. Between 1934 and 1941, he directed over 45 films, many starring George O'Brien and John Wayne. Howard's efficient directing style and command of action sequences made him a reliable figure at RKO Radio Pictures. His films contributed to shaping the archetypal cowboy hero and frontier narrative in early Hollywood cinema. Though often overshadowed by major studio auteurs, Howard's prolific output remains a testament to the era's filmmaking traditions.

Vivion Brewer (1900–1991) was an American activist dedicated to dismantling racial segregation in the United States. Working alongside other grassroots leaders, she organized community support for integration in public schools and facilities. Brewer's advocacy included lobbying local officials and mobilizing citizens for peaceful demonstrations. Her efforts contributed to the broader civil rights movement that reshaped American social and political life. A lifelong champion of equality, Brewer's legacy endures in the ongoing fight for social justice.

Orazio Satta Puliga was the chief engineer at Alfa Romeo from the late 1940s to the early 1960s, shaping the brand’s postwar identity. He led the design of legendary models such as the Alfa Romeo 1900, Giulietta, and Giulia, combining performance with elegant Italian styling. Under his guidance, Alfa Romeo gained a reputation for engineering excellence and racing prowess. Satta Puliga’s work influenced automotive design worldwide and set standards for front-wheel-drive sports sedans. He played a key role in developing lightweight chassis and advanced suspension systems. His contributions cemented Alfa Romeo’s status as an icon of automotive history.

Born in Mississippi in 1917, Fannie Lou Hamer overcame poverty and illiteracy to become a leading voice in the Civil Rights Movement. She worked as a sharecropper before joining the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in 1962. Hamer helped organize Freedom Summer and co-founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party to challenge political exclusion. Her impassioned testimony at the 1964 Democratic National Convention drew national attention to racial injustice in the South. She continued her work through grassroots organizing, voting rights campaigns, and charitable initiatives. Hamer’s legacy endures as a symbol of perseverance and dedication to equality until her death in 1977.

Born in London in 1920, John Donaldson studied law at Cambridge University before being called to the Bar in 1948. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1966 and became a High Court judge in 1971. In 1982, he was promoted to the Court of Appeal and served as Master of the Rolls, the head of civil justice in England. Donaldson chaired the committee that produced the influential report on civil justice reform known as the ‘Donaldson Report.’ He was made a life peer as Baron Donaldson of Lymington in 1993 and continued to influence legal reform. He passed away in 2005, leaving a legacy of modernization in the British legal system.

Born in Turin in 1921, Giovanni Michelotti began his career at Carrozzeria Vignale before founding his own design studio in 1959. Over three decades, he collaborated with Ferrari, BMW, Triumph, and many other marques, creating iconic roadsters, coupes, and concept cars. His prolific output influenced automotive styling across Europe and beyond. Michelotti’s philosophy blended elegance with functionality, making his designs timeless classics. He continued working until his death in 1980, and his sketches remain celebrated by collectors and manufacturers alike.

Bill King enjoyed a broadcasting career spanning over forty years, calling games for the Oakland Raiders (NFL), Golden State Warriors (NBA), and Oakland Athletics (MLB). His distinctive, gravelly voice and vivid descriptions made him a beloved figure among Bay Area fans. King was celebrated for his ability to convey excitement and drama even in routine plays. He received numerous broadcasting accolades and was inducted into the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame. King's memorable calls are still revered by sports enthusiasts following his death in 2005.

Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Chambers became the first African American to graduate from the University of North Carolina School of Law. He served as chief counsel for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, arguing landmark school desegregation and affirmative action cases before the Supreme Court. Later, he became dean of the University of North Carolina School of Law, mentoring future leaders. His career advanced civil and human rights until his death in 2013.

Paul Popham served as an officer in the United States Army before becoming a leading advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS. In 1982, witnessing the emerging crisis and lack of support, he co-founded the Gay Men's Health Crisis in New York City, building one of the earliest and most influential community-based AIDS service organizations. As its first president, Popham organized legal assistance, counseling, and educational programs, shaping a model for HIV/AIDS advocacy worldwide. His work laid the groundwork for greater public awareness and policy response to the epidemic.

Ben Summerskill served as the chief executive of Stonewall from 2003 to 2014, transforming it into the UK's leading organization for LGBT equality. Under his leadership, Stonewall campaigned successfully for the repeal of Section 28 and the introduction of civil partnerships. Prior to joining Stonewall, Summerskill worked as a journalist for the Financial Times and The Independent. He was awarded an OBE for services to equality and has been a trustee for several NGOs, including Kaleidoscope Trust. Summerskill continues to advocate globally for LGBT rights and diversity initiatives.

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1973, Rebecca Lobo led the UConn Huskies to the 1995 NCAA championship. She won a gold medal with the USA women's basketball team at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Drafted by the New York Liberty in the WNBA's inaugural season, she became a two-time All-Star. After retiring due to injury, Lobo transitioned to broadcasting, becoming a leading analyst for ESPN and ABC. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, she is an outspoken advocate for women's athletics.