December 13

Born in 1769, James Scarlett was called to the bar in 1794 and quickly gained a reputation as a skilled advocate. He served as Solicitor General and Attorney General for England and Wales and was appointed Baron Abinger and a judge of the Court of Exchequer in 1834. Recognized for his sharp legal mind, Scarlett delivered influential judgments in property and contract law that shaped 19th-century English jurisprudence. Elevated to Lord Chief Baron in 1841, he continued to hear cases until his retirement. Scarlett’s legacy endures in the clarity of his written opinions and his contributions to the development of common law.

Born on December 13, 1814, in Salvador, Ana Néri defied social norms by training as a nurse. She volunteered during the Paraguayan War, providing critical care to soldiers near the front lines. Her compassion and organizational skills earned her national acclaim and the title of patroness of Brazilian nursing. After the war, Néri continued charitable work in Rio de Janeiro, supporting hospitals and orphanages. Her contributions laid the foundation for modern nursing practices in Brazil, inspiring generations of healthcare professionals. She passed away in 1880, leaving a lasting humanitarian legacy.

Jane Edna Hunter was a pioneering African-American social worker who dedicated her life to improving the welfare of Black women and families. In 1911 she founded the Phillis Wheatley Association in Cleveland, a settlement house offering housing, job training, and community support. Born in Georgia and raised in Ohio, Hunter encountered systemic racism that inspired her commitment to social justice. Under her leadership, the association expanded services to include a daycare, employment agency, and educational programs. Hunter's advocacy helped secure funding and recognition for African-American social services during segregation. She authored publications and delivered speeches to raise awareness of the challenges faced by Black communities. Hunter continued her work until her death in 1971, leaving a lasting impact on social work and civil rights.

Belle da Costa Greene was the influential librarian and bibliographer who served as the first director of the Morgan Library & Museum. Born Belle Marion Greener in 1883, she changed her surname to Greene and passed as white to navigate racial barriers of the era. As J.P. Morgan's personal librarian, she assembled one of the world's greatest collections of illuminated manuscripts, rare books, and artworks. Greene organized exhibitions and wrote catalogues that elevated the study and appreciation of medieval and Renaissance manuscripts. She managed acquisitions with keen scholarship, securing treasures like the Morgan Picture Gallery and the Morgan Crusader Bible. Throughout her career, Greene maintained a network of prominent collectors, dealers, and scholars. She retired in 1948 and remained an esteemed figure in library science until her death in 1950.

Born in Madrid in 1895, Lucía Sánchez Saornil was a pioneering Spanish anarchist feminist and poet. She co-founded Mujeres Libres, an organization dedicated to empowering women within the anarchist movement. An outspoken advocate for women's rights, she wrote numerous articles and poetry critiquing social oppression. During the Spanish Civil War, she worked to support female combat units and clandestine publications. In exile in Mexico, she continued her activism and literary work until her death in 1970. Her writings remain influential in feminist and anarchist circles.

Born in Norfolk, Virginia in 1903, Ella Baker began her career as a local NAACP field secretary in the 1930s. She later served as director of branches at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, working closely with Martin Luther King Jr. Baker believed in grassroots organizing and decentralized leadership, often saying 'strong people don't need strong leaders.' In 1960 she helped found the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee to empower young activists. Baker mentored a generation of civil rights leaders and advocated for participatory democracy. She remained active in human rights movements until her death in 1986, and her legacy continues to inspire activists today.

Born into the Greek and Danish royal families in 1906, Princess Marina married Prince George, Duke of Kent, in 1934, becoming Duchess of Kent. She was admired for her poise, charm, and dedication to charitable causes across Britain and the Commonwealth. During World War II, she served as patron and president of aid organizations, supporting servicemen and their families. Known for her passion for fashion and cultural pursuits, she championed arts organizations and hospitals. Her warm personality and public spirit endeared her to the British public until her death in 1968.

Turgut Demirağ (1921–1987) was a multifaceted figure in Turkish film, working as a producer, director, and screenwriter. Over his career, he contributed to a diverse range of genres, from drama to comedy, helping to shape the emerging Turkish film industry. Demirağ collaborated with both established stars and rising talents, producing works that resonated with local audiences. His creative storytelling and production skills set new standards for cinematic quality in Turkey. He is remembered for his commitment to fostering national cinema and inspiring future generations of filmmakers.

Paul Bracq's career in automotive design spans more than six decades, during which he left an indelible mark on some of Europe's most iconic cars. After training at the École Boulle, he joined Peugeot and Citroën before becoming head of design at Mercedes-Benz. Bracq oversaw the development of the legendary Mercedes-Benz W111 and the BMW E9 coupé. His clean lines, proportional elegance, and functional beauty have influenced generations of car designers. He later consulted for Italdesign and other firms, applying his vision to concept cars and yachts. Bracq's work continues to be celebrated at design exhibitions worldwide.

Richard D. Zanuck produced some of Hollywood's most enduring films over a career that spanned more than fifty years. Collaborating with director Steven Spielberg, he brought the blockbuster 'Jaws' to the big screen, revolutionizing the summer movie season. Zanuck's credits also include 'The Sting' and 'Driving Miss Daisy', the latter earning him an Academy Award for Best Picture. As president of 20th Century Fox, he championed innovative storytelling and nurtured emerging talent. His dedication to cinematic excellence earned him multiple awards and a reputation as one of the industry's most respected producers.

James Holmes is an American convicted mass murderer, born on December 13, 1987, in San Diego, California. In July 2012, he carried out a mass shooting at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, killing 12 people and injuring 70. Holmes had been a neuroscience graduate student before the attack and had prepared extensively in advance. He was apprehended outside the theater and later confessed to his actions. In 2015, Holmes was found guilty on 165 counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. The case prompted discussions about mental health, gun control, and public safety in the United States.