November 03

Princess Sophia of the United Kingdom was born on November 3, 1777, as the fifth child and third daughter of King George III and Queen Charlotte. Raised at Buckingham House, she grew up in a period marked by political change and royal duty. Known for her charitable spirit and devotion to her family, Sophia remained unmarried throughout her life. She supported educational and philanthropic causes in her community, reflecting her compassionate nature. Despite her royal status, Sophia led a relatively private life away from court intrigues, and she is remembered for her gentle character and commitment to benevolence within the monarchy.

John Mitchel was a leading Irish nationalist and journalist who passionately advocated for Ireland's independence from British rule. Born in County Down, he edited several nationalist newspapers, using his writings to criticize British policies during the Great Famine. Mitchel was convicted of treason felony in 1848 and transported to Bermuda, later escaping to the United States. In America, he continued his journalistic career and supported the Confederate cause during the Civil War, a controversial stance. Mitchel's uncompromising views and powerful prose made him a polarizing figure in both Ireland and the United States. His contributions to nationalist literature and activism left a complex but enduring mark on Irish history.

Rosalie Edge (1877–1962) was a leading American environmental activist who challenged both government agencies and private organizations to protect wildlife and natural habitats. Frustrated by the slow pace of conservation efforts, she established the Emergency Conservation Committee in 1935 to advocate for immediate action. Edge successfully campaigned to turn private preserves into public national parks and secured protections for raptors and migratory birds, including Pelican Island’s designation as a bird sanctuary. She exposed policy failures and corporate influence in conservation groups, pressuring them to adopt stronger environmental measures. Her direct-action approach and legal challenges led to the creation of wildlife refuges, including those within the National Wildlife Refuge System. Rosalie Edge’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship made her a foremother of the modern American conservation movement.

Hal Jackson began his radio career in the early 1940s as one of the first African American sports announcers and talk show hosts. He created and hosted a variety of popular music and news programs in New York, including long-running late night shows. In 1971, Jackson co-founded Inner City Broadcasting Corporation, one of the first African American-owned radio station groups. He was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1995 for his groundbreaking contributions. Jackson continued to broadcast into his nineties, influencing generations of DJs and reporters. He passed away in 2012 at the age of 96.

Annapurna Maharana participated in the Indian independence movement alongside leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. She took part in civil disobedience campaigns and was imprisoned for her protests against British rule. After independence, she devoted herself to improving education and healthcare in rural Odisha, with a focus on empowering women. Maharana was known for her grassroots organizing and dedication to community development throughout her life. She received numerous local honors for her social work and advocacy. She passed away in 2012, leaving a legacy of service and activism.

Faraj Sarkohi is an Iranian journalist and critic born in Ahvaz in 1947. He began his career writing cultural analyses for literary journals during the 1970s. Sarkohi became known for his incisive reviews of Persian literature and social commentary on Iranian politics. He co-founded the Association for the Defense of Cultural Freedoms in 2001, advocating for freedom of expression. Sarkohi has faced censorship and imprisonment for his outspoken views under various administrations. He continues to write essays and critiques on Middle Eastern culture and politics from exile. His work highlights the intersection of literature and social justice.

Born in London in 1949, Anna Wintour began her career at British Vogue in 1975. She became editor-in-chief of British Vogue in 1985 and moved to American Vogue in 1988. Under her leadership, Vogue has shaped global fashion trends and cultural dialogues. Wintour is known for hosting the annual Met Gala, supporting emerging designers, and her signature bob haircut and sunglasses. She was featured in the documentary 'The September Issue' and remains a powerful figure in fashion journalism.

Born in 1950 in Italy, Massimo Mongai began his career as a journalist before turning to fiction. He became known for his witty novels that blended humor, adventure, and social commentary. His works, such as 'Memorie di un cuoco d'assalto', earned him a devoted following among Italian readers. Mongai contributed essays and columns to major Italian publications, showcasing his versatility. Until his death in 2016, his inventive storytelling left a lasting mark on Italian literature.

Elizabeth Smart is an American activist and journalist who survived a high-profile abduction at age 14. Born in 1987 in Salt Lake City, she was rescued after nine months in captivity. Smart became a national symbol for missing children and founded the Elizabeth Smart Foundation. She has testified before Congress on child safety and victim support. Elizabeth authored a memoir, 'My Story,' detailing her ordeal and recovery. She is a sought-after speaker on resilience and human rights issues.