October 31

Born in San Francisco in 1875, Eugene Meyer built a career in banking and finance. He served as chairman of the Federal Reserve Board during the early 1930s. In 1946, Meyer became the first president of the World Bank, shaping postwar reconstruction efforts. His acquisition of The Washington Post at a 1933 auction transformed a struggling newspaper into a leading national publication. As a visionary media proprietor, he set high standards for journalism that influenced future generations. Meyer's legacy endures through the continued prominence of The Washington Post and his impact on global finance.

Craig Rodwell was an American gay rights activist and entrepreneur born in 1940. He founded the Oscar Wilde Bookshop in New York City in 1967, the first bookstore devoted to gay and lesbian authors. Rodwell played a key role in the Stonewall era, organizing early gay rights demonstrations. He is credited with founding the first Christopher Street Liberation Day March in 1970, now known as Pride. His work helped create safe spaces and visibility for the LGBT community during a time of widespread discrimination. Rodwell’s legacy lives on through the continued celebration of Pride and the impact of the Oscar Wilde Bookshop.

Judith Wilcox, Baroness Wilcox, is a British business leader and Conservative life peer born in 1940. She built a career in international commerce before entering politics. She was appointed a life peer in 1996 and has served in the House of Lords. As a member of various select committees, she has contributed to economic and infrastructure debates. Wilcox also held directorships in major companies and advocated for business-friendly policies. Her dual career bridges the worlds of commerce and government, highlighting the role of private sector expertise in public service.