October 19

Minoru Yasui was born in Hood River, Oregon, in 1916. As a law student, he volunteered to test exclusion orders against Japanese Americans, leading to his arrest. His case reached the Supreme Court, where his conviction was affirmed in 1943. After the war, Yasui continued fighting for civil rights and redress for those interned. In 1986, his conviction was vacated, and in 2015 he was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Yasui's courage remains a landmark in American legal history and civil rights advocacy.

Harry Alan Towers (1920–2009) was an English-Canadian screenwriter and independent film producer. Across five decades, he produced over 100 films spanning horror, adventure, and thriller genres. Towers often collaborated with international partners and shot on location around the world. He wrote or co-wrote many of his screenplays under the pseudonym Peter Welbeck. His productions included adaptations of classic literature and original genre pieces. Towers was instrumental in the careers of actors such as Christopher Lee and Christopher Plummer.

Jack Anderson (1922–2005) was an American investigative journalist whose syndicated column reached millions of readers. He exposed numerous political scandals, including covert government operations and corporate malfeasance. Anderson won the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting in 1972 for his Watergate-related coverage. His work often drew the ire of powerful figures but earned him a reputation for tenacity. He authored several books on American politics and history. Anderson's career set new standards for watchdog journalism in the United States.

Ruth Carter Stevenson (1923–2013) was an influential American art patron and museum founder. As the daughter of oilman Amon G. Carter Sr., she dedicated her life to promoting American art. In 1961, she established the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, shaping its collection and vision. Under her leadership, the museum became renowned for its holdings of 19th- and 20th-century American paintings and sculptures. Stevenson supported numerous cultural initiatives and educational programs. Her legacy endures through the museum's continued growth and public engagement.

Mavis Nicholson (1930–2022) was a trailblazing broadcaster who hosted late-night talk shows such as Good Afternoon on HTV West. She gained acclaim for her warm, conversational interview style, drawing out candid insights from guests across politics, entertainment, and the arts. Nicholson's work helped shape the format of modern daytime television and talk shows. She was celebrated for her genuine curiosity and ability to connect with audiences. Her influence endures in the evolution of broadcast journalism.

Brian Booth (1933–2023) played 29 Test matches for Australia between 1961 and 1966, serving as vice-captain and occasionally captain during tours. A right-handed batsman renowned for his elegant strokeplay, he scored over 1,500 runs in Test cricket. Off the field, Booth was a dedicated educator who earned a Bachelor of Science and later held positions as a school teacher and headmaster. He combined his sporting and academic careers with a focus on integrity and mentorship. Booth was also an Olympic field hockey player, representing Australia at the 1956 Melbourne Games. His contributions to sport and education have been widely celebrated in Australia.

James Bevel was a key strategist in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., helping to plan major nonviolent demonstrations. He organized the 1963 Birmingham Children's Crusade, which brought national attention to segregation in the South. Bevel also played a pivotal role in the 1965 Selma Voting Rights marches that were instrumental in the passage of the Voting Rights Act. A Baptist minister by training, he combined faith and activism throughout his life, founding the Institute for the Black World to promote social justice. Even after stepping back from frontline activism, Bevel continued to advocate for civil rights and community empowerment until his death in 2008.

Patricia Ireland is an American lawyer and activist born in Kentucky. Early in her career, she practiced labor law before joining the feminist movement. She served as the president of the National Organization for Women (NOW) from 1991 to 2001. Under her leadership, NOW advanced reproductive rights, workplace equality, and LGBTQ inclusion. Ireland testified before Congress and led high-profile campaigns against gender discrimination. She played a key role in expanding NOW's reach and influence nationwide. After her tenure, she continued advocacy through writing and public speaking on women's issues.

Martin Welz is a South African journalist born in 1945. He founded South magazine to publish in-depth investigative reporting. Welz has uncovered major corruption scandals and human rights abuses. His work challenged apartheid-era censorship and political oppression. He received awards for his fearless journalism and commitment to transparency. Welz has mentored young reporters and advocated for press freedom. His investigations have had significant impact on South African public life.

Grover Norquist is an American political activist who founded Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) in 1985. He is famous for the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, which commits elected officials to oppose tax increases. Under his leadership, ATR became a major force in US conservative politics. Norquist has advised Republican leaders and worked to influence tax policy at the federal and state levels. His work has shaped debates on government spending and taxation for decades.

Kevin Drum was an American journalist and influential blogger renowned for his political and policy analysis. He founded a widely read blog that delved into economics, current events, and public policy. Drum's clear, data-driven writing style earned him a dedicated following and respect among peers. He contributed to several major publications and spoke at media conferences across the country. Drum remained active in digital journalism until his death in 2025, leaving a lasting impact on online commentary.

Claude Callegari, born October 19, 1962 in London, gained fame as an Arsenal supporter and regular contributor to Arsenal Fan TV (AFTV). Known for his candid interviews and enthusiastic rants, he became an iconic voice in online football fan culture. His catchphrases and genuine passion attracted a loyal following. Callegari continued to engage fans with his honest opinions until his passing in 2021. He is remembered for shaping the landscape of fan-driven football media.