November 28

Born in 890, Lady Ma belonged to a prominent aristocratic family during the turbulent Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms era. Although specific details of her life remain scarce, noblewomen like her often played vital roles in courtly culture and familial alliances. Her death in 939 marks one of the limited records of aristocratic society during this period.

Ludger Duvernay founded the newspaper La Minerve in 1826, using its pages to advocate for responsible government and French-Canadian rights. His fearless editorials often brought him into conflict with colonial authorities, leading to periods of exile. Duvernay also helped establish the Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste, fostering French-Canadian identity and culture. Elected to legislative assemblies, he combined journalism with politics to shape public opinion. His tireless efforts laid groundwork for modern Canadian media and the democratic ideals in Quebec society.

Moses Dickson was born into slavery in 1824 in Kentucky and escaped to freedom, becoming a passionate abolitionist speaker. During the Civil War, he served as a Union soldier and later became a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1847, he founded The Knights of Liberty, a clandestine society dedicated to supporting enslaved people seeking freedom. Dickson worked tirelessly to raise funds, organize safe routes on the Underground Railroad, and promote education for African Americans. After the war, he continued his ministry and missionary work, advocating for civil rights until his death in 1901.

Jeffrey Dahmer was one of the most notorious serial killers in American history. Between 1978 and 1991, he lured and killed 17 victims, committing acts of necrophilia and cannibalism. His crimes shocked the nation and exposed flaws in law enforcement and mental health processes. Dahmer was arrested in 1991 and later convicted and sentenced to multiple life terms. He was killed by a fellow inmate in 1994 while serving his sentence at the Columbia Correctional Institution. His case continues to be studied in criminal psychology and forensic science.

Jerry Rubin rose to prominence in the 1960s as a leader of the Yippies, advocating for civil rights and anti-war protests. He organized high-profile demonstrations, including the levitation of the Pentagon in 1967. Rubin's charismatic style made him a media favorite and a symbol of the counterculture movement. In the 1980s, he reinvented himself as a stockbroker and entrepreneur, writing books on business and marketing. His shift from radical activism to Wall Street drew both criticism and intrigue. Rubin remained a controversial figure until his death in 1994.

Rita Hester was a transgender woman living in Boston who worked as a hairstylist and model. Her tragic 1998 murder highlighted violence against transgender individuals and lack of legal protections. In response to her death, advocates initiated the first Transgender Day of Remembrance in 1999 to honor trans lives lost. Hester's case drew national attention, sparking discussions on hate crimes and identity-based violence. Her legacy endures through annual vigils and ongoing advocacy for transgender rights and safety. Hester is remembered as a catalyst for a global movement recognizing and combating anti-trans violence.