November 12

Jeanne Mance (1606–1673) was a French nurse and lay hospital administrator who played a foundational role in New France. In 1642, she co-founded Ville-Marie (now Montreal) and established the Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal, the city's first hospital. Mance secured funding and medical supplies from France, ensuring the hospital's survival in a frontier environment. She personally nursed settlers and Indigenous patients, demonstrating compassion and resilience. Her leadership laid the groundwork for Quebec's healthcare system and inspired future generations of medical professionals. Jeanne Mance's legacy endures in Montreal's medical institutions and her portraits as a pioneering nurse.

Born in 1900 in Tapanui, New Zealand, Stanley Graham was a dairy farmer struggling with loan payments. Following a dispute over a firearms permit, he fatally shot four police officers sent to investigate. Over the next two days, he killed six more individuals, including his neighbor and additional officers. A massive manhunt ensued, with over 100 police officers in pursuit across rugged terrain. Graham was located and fatally shot by police on November 28, 1941. His actions shocked the nation and led to changes in New Zealand's firearms regulations.

Born in 1908 in Nashville, Illinois, Harry Blackmun earned his law degree from Harvard Law School. He served as a lawyer in Minnesota before his appointment to the U.S. Court of Appeals by President Eisenhower. In 1970, President Nixon nominated him to the U.S. Supreme Court, where he served for 24 years. Blackmun authored the majority opinion in Roe v. Wade (1973), affirming a constitutional right to abortion. Over time, he became known for his independent and moderate-conservative judgments on civil rights and criminal law. After retiring in 1994, he remained active in legal circles until his death in 1999.

Robert Goff, Baron Goff of Chieveley, built a distinguished legal career after studying law at Oxford and being called to the Bar in 1950. He served as a High Court judge and later as a Lord Justice of Appeal before his appointment to the House of Lords as a Law Lord in 1996. Goff’s judgments in cases such as Factortame and Hong Kong Fir Shipping have had lasting impact on the development of EU law and contract law. He also chaired the Bar Council and contributed to legal scholarship through lectures and writings. Recognized for his clarity of thought and fairness, Lord Goff shaped modern commercial jurisprudence until his retirement in 2009.

Charles Manson was a charismatic and manipulative figure who formed a quasi-religious cult known as the Manson Family in California. He preached apocalyptic visions he called 'Helter Skelter' and directed his followers to commit brutal murders, including the Tate-LaBianca killings. In 1971, Manson and several of his followers were convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, receiving life sentences. Despite his incarceration, Manson remained a subject of public fascination, symbolizing the dark side of the 1960s counterculture. He died in prison in 2017, but his crimes continue to be studied in criminology and psychology.

Al Michaels is an American sportscaster whose enthusiastic and insightful commentary has made him one of the most respected voices in sports broadcasting. After beginning his career in local radio and television, he rose to national prominence as the lead announcer for ABC's Monday Night Football for over a decade. Michaels famously called the 'Miracle on Ice' at the 1980 Winter Olympics with the now-iconic line 'Do you believe in miracles? Yes!'. He later joined NBC, where he has covered multiple Olympic Games and served as the voice of Sunday Night Football. His ability to capture the drama of live sports and connect with viewers has earned him numerous awards and a lasting legacy in sports media.

Mariella Frostrup began her journalism career at The London Magazine. She later became a prominent literary critic and features writer for major UK newspapers. Her distinctive deep voice led to opportunities in television and radio broadcasting, including hosting arts and culture programs. She has interviewed numerous public figures, from authors to politicians, earning acclaim for her thoughtful questions. In addition to journalism, Frostrup has acted in various stage productions, showcasing her versatility. She continues to contribute to cultural discourse through her written and broadcast work.

Naomi Wolf graduated from Yale University and began her career in journalism and cultural commentary. Her debut book, The Beauty Myth, published in 1990, became a bestseller and sparked global discussions on feminism and beauty standards. Wolf has authored several other works addressing politics, gender, and human rights. She served as a political advisor to Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign. Throughout her career, she has been both celebrated and criticized for her outspoken views. Wolf continues to write and speak on contemporary social issues.

Iryna Khalip is a Belarusian journalist and editor recognized for her fearless reporting on the Lukashenko regime. She has worked for independent newspapers and online outlets, focusing on human rights abuses, corruption, and democratic movements. Khalip has faced arrests and harassment by state authorities in response to her investigative work. Despite these challenges, she continues to publish stories that reach an international audience. She has received awards for press freedom and remains an influential voice in Belarusian and global journalism. Khalip's writings have inspired grassroots activism and solidarity campaigns across Europe.

He began his career in the early 2000s co-founding the web video portal Channel 101 with Dan Harmon, producing short-form comedy films. He served as head writer and director on The Sarah Silverman Program on Comedy Central, earning praise for its irreverent humor. He contributed to the hit sketch series Robot Chicken and sitcom Community, showcasing his versatile writing style. Schrab's independent work includes comic art, animated shorts, and podcasts, blending satire with genre storytelling. Beyond television, he has directed several short films and written for major studios, establishing himself as a multi-talented creator in comedy. His distinctive voice and DIY ethos have influenced a generation of internet filmmakers and comedians.

Born visually impaired, Chen taught himself law and gained attention for advocating women's and land rights in rural China. He exposed forced abortions and land seizures in his home province, using petitions and legal challenges to confront local authorities. After house arrest and imprisonment, he escaped in 2012 to seek refuge at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, drawing international attention. Chen eventually relocated to the United States, where he continued his human rights work and taught at several universities. His memoir and numerous speeches highlight the challenges of grassroots activism under authoritarian regimes. Chen's resilience and legal activism have made him a symbol of perseverance and the fight for human rights.

Mirosław Szymkowiak is a retired Polish footballer known for his technical midfield play. He won multiple Ekstraklasa titles with Wisła Kraków before moving to Fenerbahçe and Bolton Wanderers. Szymkowiak earned over 40 caps for Poland and represented his country at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. His creativity and vision contributed to both club and national team successes throughout the 2000s. After retiring due to injury, he transitioned into a career in sports journalism and commentary.