October 13

Born in Kentucky in 1816, Miller began his legal career as a district judge before his appointment to the Supreme Court by President Abraham Lincoln. During his nearly three decades on the bench, he wrote opinions upholding federal authority during the Civil War and supporting civil rights amendments. Miller’s legal reasoning emphasized the balance between states’ rights and national unity. He also served as a professor of constitutional law and contributed to legal scholarship. His moderate views helped steer the Court through turbulent post-war years. Miller passed away in 1890, leaving a legacy of integrity and dedication to the rule of law.

Born Margaret Elizabeth Noble in Ireland, she became one of Swami Vivekananda's earliest disciples. She moved to India in 1898 and adopted the name Sister Nivedita, which means dedicated sister. Through her efforts, she established schools for girls and wrote extensively on Indian culture and nationalism. Her works inspired a generation of Indian reformers and she supported relief efforts during famine and plague. Nivedita's blend of scholarship and activism left a lasting impact on India's struggle for independence.

Ed Sullivan began his career as a newspaper columnist before moving into radio and then television in 1948. For 23 years, his CBS variety show showcased performers from The Beatles and Elvis Presley to groundbreaking jazz and comedy acts. His unassuming style and famous phrase 'a really big shew' made him a household name. Sullivan's program shaped American pop culture by bringing diverse talents into living rooms nationwide. He died in 1974, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of television entertainment.

Vivian Malone Jones was one of the first African-American students to enroll at the University of Alabama in 1963, defying segregationist policies. Her courage during the "Stand in the Schoolhouse Door" incident marked a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. She became the university's first African-American graduate, earning her degree in 1965. Jones later worked for the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division, promoting equal education and employment. She served on several education boards, advocating for diversity in academic institutions. Her legacy endures as an inspiration for the ongoing fight for civil rights.