November 06

George Ent studied medicine at Cambridge and Oxford before becoming a respected physician to King Charles I. He published works on human anatomy, including detailed illustrations of the liver. Ent was elected a fellow of the Royal Society in 1663 and engaged in experiments on digestion and respiration. His correspondence with contemporaries like William Harvey helped advance biomedical knowledge. Ent's writings and lectures influenced the scientific community during the English Scientific Revolution.

Charles H. Dow began his career as a reporter before co-founding a financial news service that became Dow Jones & Company. He launched The Wall Street Journal in 1889 to provide timely market analysis. In 1896, Dow introduced the Dow Jones Industrial Average, setting the standard for stock market indices. His editorial philosophy emphasized clear writing and data-driven insights into market trends. Dow's work laid the foundation for modern financial journalism and index-based investing. He died in 1902, leaving a lasting mark on the financial world.

Derrick Bell earned his law degree from the University of Pittsburgh and became the first tenured African American professor at Harvard Law School. His groundbreaking work laid the foundations for critical race theory, examining how law and race intersect in American society. Bell authored influential books and articles, including the allegorical series 'Faces at the Bottom of the Well'. Throughout his career, he was an outspoken advocate for racial justice, often using academic activism to challenge institutional inequalities. He co-founded legal advocacy organizations and mentored generations of civil rights lawyers. Bell passed away in 2011, leaving a lasting legacy on legal scholarship and social justice movements.

François Englert co-developed the theory of the Higgs mechanism alongside Robert Brout in the 1960s, explaining how particles acquire mass. His pioneering research laid the groundwork for the discovery of the Higgs boson at CERN in 2012. Englert's contributions have profoundly shaped modern particle physics and our understanding of fundamental forces. He has held prestigious academic positions, fostering generations of physicists through teaching and mentorship. Englert continues to publish and lecture, advocating for scientific collaboration and innovation. His Nobel Prize recognition underscores a career dedicated to unraveling the universe's deepest mysteries.

Else Ackermann specialized in pharmacological research on blood vessels and microvascular function throughout her career. She held professorships at leading German universities, where she led pioneering laboratory studies. Ackermann's work advanced treatments for vascular diseases and informed clinical pharmacology practices. Her publications and lectures influenced both academic peers and medical practitioners worldwide. Recognized with national awards, she was a mentor to generations of scientists in pharmacology. Ackermann passed away in 2019, remembered for her rigorous research and commitment to medical science.

Ariel Henry (born 1949) is a Haitian neurosurgeon and political leader who became Prime Minister of Haiti in July 2021. Before entering politics, Henry built a career as a neurosurgeon, serving patients in Haitian hospitals. He was appointed Prime Minister following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, tasked with leading the country through crisis. Henry's government has focused on security reforms, economic recovery, and seeking international support. He has faced challenges including gang violence, natural disasters, and political instability. Henry previously served as Minister of Interior and Territorial Communities under President René Préval. As Prime Minister, he has engaged with international organizations and foreign leaders to address Haiti's needs. His dual background in medicine and governance informs his technocratic approach to leadership. Henry's tenure continues amid debates over electoral processes and constitutional reform.

Nimalan Soundaranayagam (1950–2000) was a Sri Lankan Tamil educator and politician committed to community development. As a teacher, he focused on expanding educational opportunities for Tamil youth in the Eastern Province. Elected to Parliament in 1994 representing Batticaloa District, he became a voice for minority rights during the civil war. In Parliament, he advocated for reforms in education, human rights, and local governance. He worked with civil society groups to document abuses and promote reconciliation. Soundaranayagam balanced grassroots activism with legislative work amid national unrest. His leadership was cut short when he was assassinated on November 6, 2000. His death underscored the dangers faced by Tamil leaders and drew international attention. He is remembered for his dedication to education and peace-building efforts.