November 11

Joseph Blake was born circa 1700 and became one of London's most infamous highwaymen, earning the nickname 'Blueskin' for his pale complexion. He engaged in armed robberies and daring escapes, gaining notoriety across England. Blake was a protege of the celebrated thief Jack Sheppard and adopted disguises to evade capture. His crime spree included holding up travelers on major roads and robbing wealthy estates. After a dramatic manhunt, he was captured and sentenced to death at the Old Bailey. Blake was executed by hanging in 1724, with his exploits immortalized in contemporary pamphlets and ballads. His life exemplified the era's fascination with outlaws and the early criminal underworld.

Ned Kelly was born to Irish immigrant parents in Victoria, Australia, in 1855. He became the leader of the Kelly Gang, engaging in bank robberies and confrontations with law enforcement. Kelly and his associates wore homemade armor during their final shootout at Glenrowan in 1880. His defiance of colonial authorities and dramatic downfall turned him into a symbol of resistance. He was captured, tried, and executed by hanging in 1880 at the age of 25. His life and legend continue to inspire books, films, and cultural discussions in Australia and beyond.

Lucretia Mott was born in Nantucket, Massachusetts, in 1793 and became a prominent Quaker minister. She championed the abolition of slavery and the rights of women throughout her life. In 1833, she co-founded the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society to mobilize women against slavery. Mott's organizational skills and speeches laid the groundwork for the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848. She continued to advocate for social reforms, including abolition, women's suffrage, and peace. Mott died in 1880, leaving a lasting impact on the movements for abolition and gender equality.

George Engel was born in Germany in 1836 and emigrated to the United States, settling in Chicago. As a businessman and labor activist, he published newspapers advocating for workers' rights. Engel played a key role in organizing labor rallies leading up to the Haymarket demonstration of 1886. Arrested and tried for conspiracy after the Haymarket bombing, he asserted his innocence throughout the trial. Despite the lack of direct evidence, he was executed in 1887, becoming a symbol of labor struggle. His case spurred international outcry and highlighted issues of workers' rights and justice.

Adolph Fischer was born in Germany in 1858 and moved to Chicago, where he worked as a printer. He contributed to radical labor publications, advocating for the eight-hour workday and workers' rights. Fischer was a member of the International Working People's Association and helped plan May Day events in 1886. After the Haymarket bombing, he was arrested and tried despite questionable evidence of his involvement. He was executed in 1887, and his trial became a rallying point for labor activists worldwide. Fischer's story remains central to discussions about free speech and labor justice.

Albert Parsons was born in Alabama in 1848 and served as a Confederate soldier before advocating for labor rights. He became a leading figure in Chicago's radical press, editing the Chicago Times and later the Alarm newspaper. Parsons helped organize the May Day demonstrations of 1886 calling for an eight-hour workday. Following the Haymarket bombing, he used his trial to defend free speech and labor organization. Convicted on dubious charges, he was executed in 1887 and became a martyr for the labor movement. His sacrifice is remembered annually on May Day in labor movements around the world.

August Spies was born in Germany in 1855 and emigrated to the United States, settling in Chicago. He served as an editor for the Arbeiter-Zeitung, a German-language labor newspaper, advocating for workers' rights. Spies played a prominent role in organizing the Haymarket rally that demanded an eight-hour workday. After the bombing, he was arrested and convicted despite maintaining his innocence. He was executed in 1887, and his case became emblematic of labor struggles and free speech issues. Spies's legacy lives on in May Day commemorations and labor rights histories.

Pedro Ñancúpel was a notorious Chilean pirate operating in the remote fjords and channels of Patagonia. Little is known about his early life, but he rose to infamy by attacking vessels along the rugged coastline. His daring raids often targeted valuable cargo bound for southern ports. Captured by Chilean authorities after a dramatic pursuit, he was brought to trial and executed in 1888. Ñancúpel's exploits have entered local legend, reflecting the lawless frontier atmosphere of late 19th-century Chilean waters.

Born in 1922, Richard von Frankenberg made his mark on the racing world in the 1950s, competing in endurance events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. After retiring from driving, he transitioned to journalism, writing for leading automotive publications and offering expert analysis on car design and performance. His firsthand racing experience lent credibility to his reportage and helped popularize motorsport across Europe. Von Frankenberg's dual career combined thrilling track achievements with insightful storytelling. He remained an influential figure in the motor racing community until his death on November 11, 1973.

Abraham Sarmiento Jr. was born in 1950 in the Philippines and studied at the University of Santo Tomas. As editor of the university newspaper, he used his platform to denounce human rights abuses under the Marcos regime. His critical editorials led to his arrest and conviction on subversion charges. While in detention, he suffered fatal injuries after being beaten by military forces and died on November 11, 1977. Sarmiento's sacrifice galvanized calls for press freedom and inspired future generations of Filipino journalists and activists.

Jacobo Timerman was born in Bar, Ukraine, and raised in Buenos Aires where he founded the influential newspaper La Opinión. In 1977, he was arrested, tortured, and detained by Argentina's military junta for his fearless reporting. His 1981 memoir "Prisoner Without a Name, Cell Without a Number" brought global attention to state-sponsored repression. After his release, he was exiled to Israel and later taught international journalism at Harvard University. Timerman's work became a cornerstone in human rights advocacy and press freedom movements worldwide.

Frances Ames was born in Cape Town and studied medicine at the University of Cape Town, later specializing in neurology and psychiatry. In 1979, she led the successful campaign to hold South African doctors accountable for misconduct in the death of activist Steve Biko. Ames became the first woman to receive a fellowship from the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa. She served as a professor at UCT and authored key guidelines on medical ethics. Throughout her career, she advocated for vulnerable populations and helped shape modern standards for human rights in healthcare.