January 05

Born in 1542 to Count Philip III of Hanau-Lichtenberg. In 1559, she married William IV, Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel, becoming Landgravine. She supported the Protestant Reformation and oversaw cultural patronage at the Kassel court. As a mother, she guided her children’s education and interests in state matters. Anna Sibylle died on January 5, 1580, remembered for her influence on Hesse-Kassel’s religious and cultural life.

Konstanty Schmidt-Ciążyński was born in 1818 and devoted his life to assembling an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts. His discerning eye and passion for art led him to gather works from across Europe, reflecting diverse styles and periods. In the late 19th century, he donated the majority of his collection to the National Museum in Kraków, greatly enriching its holdings. His gift provided the foundation for one of Poland’s most important cultural institutions during a time of national partitions. Schmidt-Ciążyński’s legacy endures in the museum’s galleries, where visitors continue to admire his contribution to art preservation.

Born Seo Jae-pil in 1864 in Korea, he became the first Korean to earn U.S. citizenship during his studies in America. Inspired by Western ideas, he returned home in 1884 to participate in the Gapsin Coup aimed at modernizing Korea. After its failure, he lived in exile but continued advocating reform and independence through journalism. In 1896 he founded the Tongnip Sinmun (The Independent), Korea's first modern newspaper, promoting education, civil rights, and national sovereignty. His writings and activism laid the groundwork for future independence efforts against Japanese colonial rule. He returned to Korea after liberation and died in 1951, remembered as a visionary reformer and bridge between East and West.

Jill Saward was an English survivor and activist whose case transformed rape law in the UK. Born in 1965, she became the first victim to waive anonymity, raising public awareness of sexual violence. Saward campaigned tirelessly for improved victims’ rights and legal reforms. She founded and chaired several organizations supporting survivors and promoting justice. Her advocacy efforts contributed to significant changes in police procedures and court policies. Saward’s courage and leadership continue to inspire activists and shape victim support services.

Bernice Sandler (1928–2019) was an American women's rights activist and educator whose groundbreaking advocacy led to the creation of Title IX in 1972. Frustrated by gender discrimination in academia, she filed complaints that eventually compelled the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to enforce gender equity in federally funded programs. Dubbed the 'Godmother of Title IX', Sandler's efforts opened doors for millions of female students in sports and education. She founded and led the Project on the Status and Education of Women, advising institutions on compliance with Title IX regulations. Throughout her life, she lectured widely and mentored activists, leaving a lasting impact on gender equity and civil rights.

Joseph Lelyveld (1937–2024) was an American journalist renowned for his tenure as executive editor of The New York Times from 1994 to 2001. Under his leadership, the newspaper won multiple Pulitzer Prizes for investigative reporting and international coverage. Lelyveld began his career as a foreign correspondent, reporting from South Africa and India and earning a Pulitzer Prize for his work on apartheid. He authored several acclaimed books, including a respected biography of Mahatma Gandhi. A champion of rigorous journalism and editorial integrity, he mentored generations of reporters. His influence on modern newspaper practice remains significant.

Mike Rinder was born in 1955 in Australia and became a prominent member of the Church of Scientology's Sea Organization. He served as the international spokesperson and vice president of the Office of Special Affairs, managing public relations and legal affairs. After leaving the church in 2007, Rinder emerged as a leading critic of Scientology, exposing its practices in documentaries and interviews. He co-hosts the popular podcast Scientology: Fair Game where he and Leah Remini share personal experiences and explore controversies within the church. Rinder's work has shed light on religious freedom issues and the church's internal operations.