February 17

Wu Zetian (624-705) was the only woman to rule China as emperor, establishing the Zhou dynasty during the Tang period. She rose from imperial concubine to empress consort before seizing power as regent and later declaring herself sovereign. Her reign was marked by significant reforms, including the expansion of the imperial examination system and promotion of talented officials regardless of birth. Wu supported Buddhism, commissioning grand temples and statues, and used religion to legitimize her authority. Her rule brought relative prosperity and cultural flourishing, though historians debate her methods and legacy. She remains a controversial and fascinating figure in Chinese history.

Francis (1519-1563) was appointed Grand Chamberlain of France, overseeing royal ceremonies and the king's household. In this influential court position, he managed access to the monarch and supervised key aspects of the royal palace. His role granted him considerable political influence and involvement in state affairs during the reign of the Valois kings. Francis navigated the complex dynamics of French nobility and court factions in a period of religious and political tension. Although less documented than monarchs, his work as chamberlain was vital to the daily functioning of the royal court. He exemplifies the responsibilities and privileges of high-ranking Renaissance courtiers.

Édouard Thilges was a Luxembourgish jurist and statesman born in 1817. He held various ministerial roles, including Minister of Finance, before becoming Prime Minister in 1885. During his tenure, Thilges oversaw economic reforms and infrastructure projects that modernized Luxembourg's public services. He represented the Grand Duchy in diplomatic negotiations, strengthening its position among European powers. After leaving office in 1888, he continued to influence Luxembourgish politics until his death in 1904.

Born in Paris, André Maginot served as a sergeant during World War I, demonstrating courage on the front lines. After the war, he entered politics, becoming Minister of War and later Minister of the Colonies. He advocated for strong defenses against Germany, leading to the construction of the Maginot Line along France's eastern frontier. Under his guidance, the fortifications represented cutting-edge military engineering of the era. Maginot also championed veteran welfare and social reforms, earning respect among war survivors. He died in office in 1932, soon after the line's approval, and his name remains synonymous with the fortifications. Though the Maginot Line failed to prevent the 1940 invasion, Maginot's intent to protect France reflects post-war anxieties.

Born in Larochette, Joseph Bech studied law and entered Luxembourgish politics in the early 20th century. He served as Prime Minister from 1926 to 1937 and again after World War II, guiding his country through turbulent times. Bech was instrumental in the creation of the Benelux Customs Union, laying groundwork for European integration. He also held the portfolio of Foreign Affairs, representing Luxembourg at the founding of the United Nations. A skilled negotiator, Bech advocated for small-state interests on the international stage. His decades-long career included efforts to modernize Luxembourg's economy and social policies. Bech's leadership helped secure his nation's sovereignty and contributed to early European unity.

Bo Yibo was born on February 17, 1908, in Zhuolu County, Hebei Province, and joined the Chinese Communist Party in the 1920s. He served as a general during the Long March and played a crucial role in the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. As Vice Premier from 1978 to 1983, Bo was instrumental in early economic reforms and the rehabilitation of officials purged during the Cultural Revolution. His pragmatic approach to governance helped stabilize China's economy during a critical transition period. Although he faced political persecution himself, Bo retained influence as one of the revered "Eight Immortals" who guided the party into the reform era. He remained active in advisory roles well into his later years. Bo passed away in 2007, remembered for his resilience and lasting impact on modern China.

Born in 1929 in Northumberland, Nicholas Ridley was educated at Oxford University before serving as a lieutenant in the British Army. As a Conservative MP, he held key ministerial roles, including Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, where he promoted privatization and deregulation. In 1992, he was elevated to the House of Lords as Baron Ridley of Liddesdale. A vocal advocate of Thatcher-era economic reforms, he influenced policy debates on business and industry. Ridley passed away in 1993, remembered for his steadfast commitment to conservative principles.

Born on February 17, 1933, Craig L. Thomas served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force before entering politics. After working as a rancher and lawyer in Wyoming, he was elected to the state legislature and then to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1988. In 1994, Thomas won a seat in the U.S. Senate, where he focused on natural resource management, water rights, and energy policy. He earned a reputation as a pragmatic lawmaker and was respected for his bipartisan approach to solving issues affecting rural communities. Thomas served on key committees including Environment and Public Works until his death in 2007, leaving a legacy of dedicated public service.

Huey P. Newton was born in 1942 in Monroe, Louisiana. He earned a Ph.D. in social philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley. In 1966, he co-founded the Black Panther Party to combat police brutality and systemic racism against African Americans. As the Party's Minister of Defense, he organized community programs such as free breakfast for children and health clinics. He authored revolutionary texts on empowerment and self-determination. Despite facing legal battles and imprisonment, he remained a symbol of resistance. Newton's work influenced generations of activists and continues to shape discussions on social justice.

Aryeh Deri is a Moroccan-born Israeli rabbi and politician who co-founded the ultra-Orthodox Shas party in 1984. He has served multiple terms as Israel's Minister of Interior, advocating for Sephardic religious and social welfare issues. Despite legal challenges early in his career, Deri returned to leadership roles and remains influential within Israeli politics. As a spiritual leader, he blends religious scholarship with public service. His efforts have shaped policies affecting education, housing, and community development in Israel.

Born in 1961, Angela Eagle has represented Wallasey in the UK House of Commons since 1992. She held roles including Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Minister for Pensions and Financial Inclusion, and Shadow Leader of the House of Commons. A prominent advocate for equality, she came out as lesbian in 1997 and later called for a Labour government led by a female prime minister. Known for her work on fiscal policy and social justice issues. She continues to influence the Labour Party’s direction from opposition benches.

Born in 1961, Maria Eagle has represented Garston and Halewood since 1997. She served as Minister of State for Pensions and Minister for Europe, and later as Shadow Secretary of State for Defence. She has been a champion for veterans’ welfare and national security issues. Her twin sister Angela Eagle is also a senior Labour politician. She continues to be an influential voice on defence and veteran affairs.