March 08

Born in Maytown, Pennsylvania, Simon Cameron began his career as a newspaper publisher before entering politics. He served as a U.S. Senator and built a powerful Pennsylvania political machine in the mid-19th century. Appointed Lincoln's first Secretary of War in 1861, he reorganized military supply lines during the Civil War. Criticized for patronage abuses and inefficiency, he resigned after a few months but remained an influential senator. Cameron continued to shape Republican politics until his death in 1889, known for both his ambition and controversy.

Born near Rzeszów in Austrian Galicia, Ignacy Łukasiewicz trained as a pharmacist and chemist. In 1852, he successfully distilled kerosene from petroleum and coal, inventing the first practical kerosene lamp. Recognizing oil's commercial potential, he opened the world's first oil refinery in Ulaszowice and later Bóbrka. Łukasiewicz's innovations laid the foundation for the global petroleum industry and improved domestic lighting. A prominent philanthropist, he supported schools, hospitals, and cultural institutions until his death in 1882.

Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. was a distinguished American lawyer, soldier, and Supreme Court Justice. He served in the Civil War before earning acclaim as a legal scholar at Harvard Law School. Appointed by President Theodore Roosevelt, he became one of the longest-serving justices in Court history. Known as 'The Great Dissenter', Holmes championed free speech and shaped American common law. His opinions in cases like Schenck v. United States introduced the 'clear and present danger' test. Holmes’s eloquent judgments and pragmatic legal philosophy influenced generations of jurists.

Born in Ottawa in 1896, Charlotte Whitton began her career as a newspaper editor and social activist. She was elected the 46th mayor of Ottawa in 1951, becoming the first woman to hold such office in a major Canadian city. During her tenure, she championed social welfare programs, affordable housing, and public health initiatives. Known for her sharp wit and uncompromising leadership style, Whitton was a prominent figure in mid-century Canadian politics. Her legacy paved the way for women in political leadership across Canada.

Born in 1902 in Salem, West Virginia, Jennings Randolph began his career as a newspaper editor before entering politics. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives and was elected to the Senate in 1958, holding office until 1985. Randolph was a driving force behind the 26th Amendment, granting 18-year-olds the right to vote during the Vietnam War era. He championed infrastructure projects, including the Interstate Highway System, and advocated for senior citizens’ rights. His legislative legacy reflects decades of public service and commitment to expanding democratic participation.

Ralph H. Baer was born in Germany in 1922 and emigrated to the United States in 1938 to escape the Nazi regime. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and later earned a degree in engineering. While working at Sanders Associates in the 1960s, Baer conceived and developed the 'Brown Box', which became the Magnavox Odyssey—the first commercial home video game console—released in 1972. Often called the 'Father of Video Games', he held over 150 patents and helped shape the gaming industry. Baer's pioneering work earned him the National Medal of Technology in 2006. He remained active in promoting science and technology education until his death in 2014.

Addie L. Wyatt rose to prominence as one of the first female African American labor union representatives. She played a key role in merging the Textile Workers Organizing Committee with the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America. Her activism extended to civil rights, where she advocated for economic justice and equal opportunities. Wyatt co-directed the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and served on national advisory boards. Her leadership broke barriers in labor and civil rights movements, inspiring future generations.

Lester Holt is a veteran American journalist known for his authoritative and trusted presence on television news. He began his career at local stations before joining CBS News in 1981 and later NBC News in 2000. In 2015, Holt became the first African American solo anchor of a major network's nightly newscast. He anchors NBC Nightly News and reports across NBC's news platforms, covering major national and international events. Holt has moderated presidential debates and reported on crises ranging from natural disasters to geopolitical conflicts. His work has earned him multiple Emmy Awards and recognition for journalistic integrity.