August 18

Born to William the Silent and his French Catholic wife, Charlotte of Bourbon, Charlotte Flandrina was raised with strong religious influences. She chose a spiritual path, entering the Benedictine convent of Mons in 1600 and later becoming abbess of the monastery at Ghent. Known for her devout faith and administrative skill, she oversaw charitable works and the education of young noblewomen. Her conversion to Catholicism and leadership role in the convent reflected the complex religious dynamics of the Eighty Years’ War. She maintained correspondence with European courts, using her position to support her family and religious communities until her death in 1640.

Born on August 18, 1587, in the ill-fated Roanoke Colony, Virginia was the first English child born in the New World. She was the granddaughter of Governor John White and daughter of Ananias Dare and Eleanor White Dare. Soon after her birth, her grandfather returned to England for supplies, leaving the colony vulnerable. When he returned three years later, the settlement had vanished, and Virginia’s fate became part of one of America’s oldest mysteries. Over the centuries, her story inspired legends, poems, and songs, turning her into a cultural icon of exploration and mystery. Despite numerous theories, the disappearance of Virginia and the Roanoke settlers remains unsolved.

Margaret Murie (1902–2003) was a pioneering conservationist and writer known as the grandmother of the conservation movement. She and her husband explored Alaska's wilderness, documenting its unique ecology in her bestselling memoirs. Murie advocated for the creation of national parks and played a key role in establishing the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Her testimony before Congress in 1960 helped shape landmark environmental legislation. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998 for her lifelong dedication to preserving America's wild places. Through her books and activism, Murie inspired generations to value and protect natural habitats.

Gérard Filion led major Quebec newspaper La Presse as CEO from 1960 to 1972, modernizing its operations and editorial reach. Trained as a dentist, his passion for public discourse drove him into journalism and publishing. He championed social Catholic values and advocated for reform within the church and society. Filion authored several books on Quebec identity and media ethics, sparking debate on cultural autonomy. Awarded the Order of Canada for his contributions to journalism and community leadership.

Amelia Boynton Robinson dedicated her life to the struggle for voting rights in the United States, co-founding the Dallas County Voters League in Alabama. In 1965, she organized the first Selma to Montgomery march and suffered severe injuries during 'Bloody Sunday,' an event that galvanized national support for the Civil Rights Movement. Robinson became the first African American woman to run for Congress in Alabama. Over her lifetime, she received numerous accolades including the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Medal. Her courage and perseverance paved the way for the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Anis Mansour (born August 18, 1925, in Mansoura, Egypt) began his career writing for prominent newspapers before publishing his first book in 1954. Over his lifetime, he authored more than 170 books, ranging from novels and travelogues to philosophical essays. Mansour's daily columns in Al-Ahram newspaper resonated with readers across the Arabic-speaking world. He translated works by Western authors into Arabic, introducing global literature to Egyptian audiences. Known for his approachable prose and insightful observations, he became a cultural icon in Egypt. Mansour passed away in 2011, leaving behind a vast literary and journalistic legacy.

Frank Salemme was a prominent figure in the American Mafia who ascended to the role of boss of the Patriarca crime family. Known as 'Cadillac Frank', he orchestrated racketeering, loan sharking, and violent enforcement throughout the latter half of the 20th century. Convicted of murder and other organized crime charges, he served decades in prison before becoming a government witness. His testimony helped dismantle key Mafia operations and led to numerous convictions. Salemme's life story reflects the internal power struggles and law enforcement battles that shaped organized crime history in the United States.

Born in 1948, Sir John Scarlett joined the British diplomatic service and later moved into intelligence work. He held various postings overseas, including at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C. In 2004, he was appointed Chief of MI6, overseeing global intelligence operations during a period marked by counterterrorism efforts. Scarlett’s tenure included the assessment of intelligence on weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. After retiring from MI6 in 2009, he has taken on advisory roles in both government and the private sector.

Gustavo Charif is an Argentinian director and producer known for his work in independent film. He has directed and produced both feature films and documentary projects. His work often focuses on social issues and cultural identity. Charif has collaborated with various filmmakers across Latin America. He continues to develop projects that push the boundaries of conventional storytelling.

Nick Fuentes is an American political commentator born in 1998 in Illinois. He hosts the America First podcast, where he promotes white nationalist and far-right conspiracy theories. Fuentes has been a prominent figure at nationalist rallies and has faced deplatforming from social media for hate speech. He was invited to the 2021 White House event by mistake, leading to widespread controversy. His activism and rhetoric have made him a polarizing figure in American politics.