October 11

George Williams began his career as an apprentice draper in London before turning to philanthropy. In 1844, he founded the YMCA to promote Christian fellowship and healthy activities among young men. Under his guidance, the organization grew rapidly, emphasizing moral and physical development. Williams championed affordable housing and vocational training for the working class. His vision inspired similar associations worldwide, shaping modern charitable movements. He is remembered as a pioneer of organized social welfare and community service.

Emily Wilding Davison was a leading figure in the British women's suffrage movement. Born in London, she was educated at Royal Holloway College and began her career as a teacher. Davison joined the Women's Social and Political Union, adopting militant tactics to demand voting rights. She was arrested multiple times and endured force-feeding while on hunger strike in prison. Her most famous act was stepping in front of King George V's horse at the 1913 Epsom Derby, resulting in fatal injuries. Davison's sacrifice galvanized public attention and advanced the cause of women's rights. Her courage and dedication continue to inspire equal rights activists worldwide.

Kristian Welhaven was a prominent Norwegian police officer and public servant. Born in Christiania (now Oslo), he began his career after completing police training. He held several key positions before becoming Chief of Police for the Oslo metropolitan area. Welhaven introduced modern investigative techniques and prioritized community engagement. He oversaw law enforcement through significant events, including World War II. After his tenure, he continued advising on police reforms and training programs. Welhaven's innovations left a lasting impact on Norwegian policing until his death in 1975.

A. V. Kulasingham was a prominent Sri Lankan journalist who used his writings to advocate for legal and political reform. As a lawyer, he represented clients in high-profile cases, blending advocacy with social activism. He later entered politics, working to advance self-government and communal harmony in colonial Ceylon. His editorial leadership in local newspapers amplified the voices of underrepresented communities. Kulasingham’s multifaceted career reflected his commitment to justice and public service. He navigated complex cultural and political landscapes to promote national unity. His contributions laid groundwork for Sri Lanka’s eventual independence.

Nanaji Deshmukh was an Indian social reformer and educationist who dedicated his life to rural upliftment and community development. He worked closely with Vinoba Bhave and took part in the Bhoodan movement, encouraging land donations to the landless. In the 1960s, he established educational institutions and self-reliance programs in rural Madhya Pradesh. He was instrumental in implementing Panchayati Raj systems to empower village governance. Deshmukh founded the Deendayal Research Institute to promote integrated rural development. He received the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor, for his social work. He passed away in 2010, leaving a legacy of grassroots activism.

Ahmad Abd al-Ghafur Attar was a Saudi Arabian author and journalist known for his contributions to Arabic literature and media. He wrote essays and features for prominent newspapers and magazines, exploring social and cultural issues in the Arab world. Attar published several collections of short stories and was praised for his engaging prose and keen observations. He also served as an editor, mentoring young writers and shaping literary discourse in Saudi Arabia. His work played a part in the literary renaissance of the Gulf region in the mid-20th century. He passed away in 1991, remembered for his commitment to free expression and storytelling.

Fred Bodsworth was a Canadian journalist, novelist, and short story writer celebrated for his evocative depictions of the Great Lakes region and its wildlife. He worked as a newspaper reporter and editor before publishing his first novel, The Last of the Curlews, which became a bestseller. Bodsworth's nature writing, characterized by lyrical prose and ecological insight, earned him acclaim and several literary awards. He also wrote short stories, essays, and poetry, reflecting his passion for the outdoors. In addition to fiction, he produced documentary scripts and contributed to cultural publications across Canada. He passed away in 2012, leaving a legacy as one of Canada's cherished nature writers.

Lucy Morgan dedicated over four decades to reporting and editing at the St. Petersburg Times. She earned acclaim for her investigative series on state government issues, including corruption and public safety. Morgan became the newspaper's first female editorial page editor, guiding coverage on key political and social topics. Under her leadership, the paper won several awards and expanded its influence in Florida journalism. She also mentored young journalists and championed newsroom diversity. Morgan remained engaged in journalism education and community outreach after retiring. She passed away in 2023, remembered for her commitment to public service through the press.

Elinor Goodman was the political editor of Channel 4 News from its launch in 1982 until 2005, becoming a leading voice in British broadcast journalism. She covered major political events including general elections, leadership contests, and EU summits with clarity and depth. After leaving Channel 4, Goodman chaired the Council on Civil Society and advised charities on governance and media strategy. Her work earned her accolades for journalistic integrity and influence in shaping public discourse. She remains active as a commentator and mentor for emerging journalists.

Jon Miller has been a prominent play-by-play announcer in Major League Baseball for over three decades. Born in Queens, New York, he began his broadcasting career with minor league teams. Miller spent many years as the voice of the San Francisco Giants on NBC and ESPN. He was named National Sportscaster of the Year multiple times by the NSSA. In addition to baseball, he has covered college football and basketball games. Miller is celebrated for his engaging storytelling and deep knowledge of sports history.

Allan Little is a Scottish journalist and author renowned for his foreign correspondence with BBC News. Over three decades, he reported from hotspots including the Bosnian War, the Rwandan genocide and the Iraq conflict. Little has presented major news programmes and won awards for his insightful analysis and human-interest stories. He wrote the book The Social Life of Words, exploring language and its impact on culture. A graduate of the University of Edinburgh, he began his career in radio before moving to television. Little’s work is celebrated for its narrative depth and dedication to uncovering overlooked perspectives.

Justin Lin is an award-winning film director who gained international acclaim for his work on the 'Fast & Furious' series, directing entries such as 'Tokyo Drift', 'Fast & Furious 4', '5', and '6'. Born in 1971, Lin's dynamic visual style and focus on character-driven action helped reboot the franchise. He has also directed 'Star Trek Beyond' and the critically acclaimed drama 'Better Luck Tomorrow'. Lin co-founded the production company One Race Films to champion diverse voices in cinema. His innovative storytelling and action sequences have influenced modern blockbuster filmmaking.