November 09

Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton was a prominent American philanthropist and the devoted wife of Alexander Hamilton, one of the United States’ Founding Fathers. After his death, she tirelessly preserved his legacy and papers. In 1806, she co-founded the New York Orphan Asylum Society, the city’s first private orphanage, demonstrating her deep commitment to social welfare. Elizabeth balanced her role as a mother of eight with extensive charitable work, leaving a lasting impact on early American social institutions.

Dorothea Beale was a pioneering English educator, author, and advocate for women’s rights. As headmistress of Cheltenham Ladies’ College, she introduced a rigorous academic curriculum for girls, challenging prevailing attitudes toward women’s education. Beale also campaigned for women’s suffrage and wrote influential texts on education reform. Later, she co-founded St Hilda’s College at Oxford University, expanding higher education opportunities for women. Her vision reshaped the landscape of female education in Britain.

Born in 1901, Nadezhda Alliluyeva married Joseph Stalin in 1919 and became a prominent figure in Soviet society. She navigated the pressures of political life while raising two children. Her marriage faced intense scrutiny and personal challenges during Stalin’s rise to power. Alliluyeva’s untimely death in 1932 remains shrouded in mystery and had a profound impact on Stalin. Her life offers a poignant glimpse into the private world of one of history’s most powerful leaders.

Philip Murray (1886-1952) was born in Scotland and immigrated to North America where he became one of the most influential labor leaders in United States history. He served as head of the Steel Workers Organizing Committee and later as president of the United Steelworkers of America, leading efforts to unionize the steel industry. Under his guidance, workers won higher wages, improved safety standards, and collective bargaining rights. Murray also played a key role in founding the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) and led it as president, campaigning for labor unity and social justice. His leadership during World War II and the post-war era helped shape national labor policy and advance the rights of industrial workers.

Louise DeKoven Bowen (1859-1953) was a leading figure in Chicago's philanthropic community and social reform efforts. She served as president of the Juvenile Court Committee of Chicago, advocating for the creation of the juvenile court system and improved treatment of children in legal proceedings. Bowen also supported settlement houses, notably Hull House, providing vital social services to immigrants and the poor. She financed and organized playgrounds, kindergartens, and education programs to promote the welfare of children and families. Her leadership and generous endowments helped shape progressive-era social policy and left a lasting impact on community outreach and child advocacy in America.

Born in 1900 in Denmark, William Hillcourt emigrated to the United States and became one of the most respected figures in the Boy Scouts of America. Known affectionately as 'Green Bar Bill', he authored numerous Scouting handbooks and training manuals that guided generations of scout leaders. Hillcourt played a key role in standardizing Scouting practices and promoting outdoor education across America and internationally. His writings emphasized leadership, character development, and outdoor skills, many of which remain foundational in Scouting programs today. He continued to teach and mentor scouts until his passing in 1992, leaving a lasting legacy in the global Scouting movement.

Edward Rudolph Bradley Jr. began his journalism career in Dayton, Ohio before joining WCBS in New York in 1971. In 1979 he became one of the original correspondents on the CBS news magazine 60 Minutes, where he served for over three decades. He won nine Emmy Awards for his reporting and was admired for his thoughtful interviews and commitment to telling human stories. Bradley broke barriers as one of the first African American journalists on national television and inspired generations of reporters. He passed away in 2006 after battling leukemia, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in broadcast journalism.

Ellen Jane Willis was born in 1941 and became a leading voice in the feminist movement and cultural criticism. She wrote for publications including The New Yorker and The Village Voice, exploring topics from music to gender politics. Willis's groundbreaking essays on rock music elevated popular culture to worthy academic discourse and influenced generations of critics. As an activist, she championed free speech, reproductive rights, and anti-censorship causes, often sparring with both left and right. Her collections of essays and books remain essential reading for understanding the intersections of culture, politics, and identity. Willis died suddenly in 2006, leaving a lasting impact on feminist thought and media criticism.

Savaş Ay was a pioneering Turkish journalist whose investigative work and compelling documentaries earned him national acclaim. Born in 1954, he gained widespread recognition as the host of the talk show 'A Takımı', where he explored pressing social and political issues across Turkey. Over a career spanning four decades, Ay produced award-winning documentaries that shed light on underreported stories and human experiences. His bold reporting style and dedication to uncovering the truth inspired a new generation of Turkish journalists. Ay’s contributions to media innovation left an indelible mark on Turkish television and documentary filmmaking. He passed away in 2013, remembered as a fearless voice for justice and storytelling.

Sheikh Saud bin Muhammed Al Thani was a visionary patron of the arts in Qatar and beyond. Born in 1966, he assembled one of the world’s most distinguished collections of Islamic art and rare manuscripts. As founding chairman of the Qatar Museums Authority, he spearheaded the creation of the Museum of Islamic Art and other cultural landmarks. His passion for art and history fostered cultural dialogue and positioned Qatar as a global hub for museums and exhibitions. Al Thani’s acquisitions and philanthropic initiatives enriched museums worldwide and inspired new generations of collectors. He passed away in 2014, leaving an enduring legacy in the promotion of art and heritage.