December 30

Josephine Butler (1828–1906) campaigned tirelessly for the rights of marginalized women in Victorian Britain. She led movements against the Contagious Diseases Acts, fighting restrictive laws that targeted prostitutes. Butler founded refuges, schools, and charities to support women and children in poverty. Her advocacy extended to education and legal equality, influencing social policy and public opinion. Her pioneering work laid the groundwork for later feminist and human rights movements.

Grigori Rasputin (1869–1916) was a Siberian peasant turned spiritual advisor in the Russian court. He gained the trust of Tsarina Alexandra through his reputed healing powers over her son, Alexei. Rasputin's growing influence sparked controversy and political intrigue within the imperial government. Accused of manipulation and corruption, he became a symbol of the monarchy's decline. His dramatic assassination in 1916 only deepened the mystique surrounding his life and legacy.

Era Bell Thompson was born in 1905 in Des Moines, Iowa, and raised by a Norwegian-American family. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in English and journalism. Thompson wrote a bestselling memoir, "American Daughter," sharing her experiences as an African American woman in the Midwest. She joined Ebony magazine in 1944 and became its editor in 1951, shaping the publication for over two decades. Under her leadership, Ebony became a platform for African American voices and culture. Thompson's writing and editorial work left a lasting impact on American journalism before her death in 1986.

Sarah Knauss was an American supercentenarian who, at the time of her death in 1999 at age 119, held the record for the world’s oldest living person. Born in 1880 in Pennsylvania, she lived through significant historical events including both World Wars and the moon landing. Known for her calm demeanor and love of simple pleasures, she often credited her longevity to a peaceful lifestyle and strong family ties. In her later years, Knauss became a symbol of healthy aging and was celebrated by media around the globe. Her life story continues to fascinate researchers and the public alike as a testament to human longevity.

Terry Peck was a lifelong Falkland Islands resident who served as a police inspector before and after the 1982 Argentine occupation. During the brief conflict, he gathered critical intelligence on Argentine troop movements and relayed it to British forces via secret radio transmissions. His brave actions under occupation helped shape the military response and were recognized for their courage. After the war, Peck continued to serve his community in law enforcement and as a conservationist. He remained a respected figure in the Islands until his death in 2006, remembered for his dedication and service.

Born in Vienna in 1923, Beate Sirota Gordon had a profound impact as a creative director in both Europe and America. She produced and directed numerous cultural initiatives, fostering greater appreciation for East Asian performing arts. Her work bridged Western and Eastern traditions, organizing exhibitions and repertory troupes. Gordon's leadership extended to educational programs, where she mentored young artists and managed large-scale productions. Her career spanned decades, earning her recognition for promoting international collaboration in the arts. She passed away in 2012, remembered for her visionary role in cultural exchange. Her efforts continue to inspire initiatives that celebrate cross-cultural creativity.

Born in 1948, Dennis Ferguson became notorious in Australia for his convictions involving child sexual abuse. His repeated arrests and controversial releases raised public and legal scrutiny nationwide. Ferguson's name became synonymous with debates over the balance between victim protection and offender rehabilitation. He served multiple prison sentences and was subject to strict supervision after each release. Community protests and legislative changes followed his high-profile cases. Despite efforts at rehabilitation, Ferguson remained a feared figure until his death. He passed away in 2012, leaving behind a complex legacy in how societies manage convicted offenders.

Erica Garner was the daughter of Eric Garner, whose fatal encounter with police in 2014 sparked nationwide protests. At just 20 years old, she emerged as a leader in the Black Lives Matter movement, advocating for justice and police reform. Garner organized rallies, testified before government bodies, and used social media to amplify calls for change. She co-founded a non-profit organization dedicated to combating police violence. Garner’s activism drew widespread attention and inspired a new generation of advocates. Her untimely death at age 27 was widely mourned as a significant loss to the civil rights community.

Barbara Walters was a pioneering television journalist whose career spanned over five decades. She became the first woman to co-anchor a network evening news program and was a familiar face on shows like The Today Show and 20/20. In 1997, she created The View, offering a platform for diverse voices in daytime television. Walters conducted landmark interviews with figures such as Fidel Castro, Margaret Thatcher, and every U.S. president from Richard Nixon to Barack Obama. She broke barriers for women in journalism, earning multiple awards including Emmys and a Peabody. Walters retired in 2014, leaving a lasting legacy on broadcast journalism.

Bryan Ansell is a British tabletop game designer who co-founded Games Workshop and Citadel Miniatures, revolutionizing the wargaming hobby in the 1970s. He played a key role in developing the original Warhammer Fantasy Battle and Warhammer 40,000 franchises, which became cornerstones of modern miniature gaming. Ansell oversaw the growth of Games Workshop from a small mail-order business into a global entertainment company. His vision for high-quality miniatures and immersive game systems set industry standards and inspired countless gamers worldwide. After leaving the company in the mid-1980s, he continued to influence the hobby through independent ventures and consulting roles.