November 26

Born into slavery around 1797 in New York, Sojourner Truth escaped to freedom in 1826. She became a prominent preacher and lecturer, using her oratorical skills to campaign against slavery and for women's suffrage. Her famous 'Ain't I a Woman?' speech delivered at the Ohio Women's Rights Convention in 1851 highlighted intersectional inequalities. Truth worked closely with leading reformers like Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison. Throughout the Civil War, she aided recruiting Black soldiers for the Union Army and secured land grants for freed families. After the war, she continued to champion civil rights and social justice until her death in 1883. Her legacy endures as a symbol of courage and equality.

David Bache was a leading figure in British automotive design during the mid-20th century. Born in 1925, he studied industrial design before joining the Rootes Group in 1953. Bache was responsible for the styling of iconic models such as the Hillman Imp, Humber Sceptre, and the Rootes Arrow range. His designs balanced modern aesthetics with practical engineering, influencing the look of European cars in the 1960s and 1970s. Later, he held senior roles at Chrysler Europe, guiding design strategy across multiple brands. Bache retired in the 1980s and died in 1994. His work remains celebrated for its elegance and innovation.

Born into a family of stage actors, Vikram Gokhale established himself as one of Marathi cinema's most respected performers. He began his career in theatre before transitioning to film and television in the 1970s. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor in 1985 for his role in the Marathi film Anumati. Gokhale delivered memorable performances in Hindi films like Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (2000) and Jodhaa Akbar (2008). In addition to acting, he directed several Marathi films and mentored emerging talent in the industry. He was celebrated for his commanding screen presence, nuanced portrayals, and dedication to regional storytelling. His contributions earned him the Padma Shri in 2010.

Jim Abrahams co-founded the comedy trio Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker, pioneering the parody film genre. He directed groundbreaking comedies including Airplane! (1980), Top Secret! (1984), and The Naked Gun (1988). Abrahams co-wrote scripts that combined rapid-fire gags with deadpan performances, influencing generations of filmmakers. He produced and mentored emerging comedic talent through his production company, maintaining a keen eye for visual humor. His unique blend of slapstick, wordplay, and absurdist scenarios has earned his films a lasting cult following. In addition to directing, he has consulted on television comedies and served as a creative advisor on various projects. Abrahams' work remains celebrated for its originality, wit, and enduring impact on popular comedy.