November 23

François-Noël Babeuf, often called Gracchus Babeuf, was a leading radical during the French Revolution. He founded the newspaper Le Tribun du Peuple, in which he championed agrarian socialism and equality. Babeuf spearheaded the Conspiracy of the Equals in 1796, an uprising aimed at overthrowing the Directory and abolishing private property. Arrested for his revolutionary plots, he was tried and guillotined in 1797. Though his revolt failed, Babeuf’s ideas influenced later socialist and communist thinkers as a precursor to modern revolutionary thought. His life and writings remain a testament to the radical edge of revolutionary France.

Born in 1876 in Britain, Sara Prinsep gained recognition for her salons that brought together creative and political figures. Her gatherings provided a platform for emerging talents to share ideas and collaborate. Prinsep’s salons became influential cultural hubs, attracting notable writers, artists, and thinkers of the era. Though less documented than her contemporaries, her role in fostering intellectual exchange helped shape artistic circles. She continued her cultural work until her death in 1959.

Harry Sunderland (1889–1964) was an Australian-English journalist and businessman renowned for promoting rugby league. He began his career writing sports columns in England before relocating to Australia, where he combined his journalistic skills with entrepreneurial ventures. Sunderland organized the first European rugby league tours in Australia and New Zealand, attracting widespread public interest. In the 1920s, he spearheaded efforts to introduce rugby league to the United States through high-profile exhibitions. His publications and reports on the sport elevated its profile internationally and inspired future administrators. Sunderland's passion and innovation left an enduring mark on the global growth of rugby league.

Karl Gebhardt (1897–1948) was a German physician infamously known for his involvement in Nazi-era medical experiments. Initially a respected surgeon, he became Heinrich Himmler’s personal doctor and head of the SS Medical Corps. During World War II, Gebhardt conducted brutal clinical trials on concentration camp inmates, including testing new drugs and surgical procedures without consent. After the war, he was tried at Nuremberg for crimes against humanity and executed for his role in these unethical experiments. Gebhardt’s actions remain a stark reminder of the perils of medical research unbound by ethical standards.

Josephine D'Angelo was born in Detroit in 1924 and became a standout athlete in high school. In 1943, she joined the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League's inaugural season. Playing first base for the Racine Belles, she helped set enduring records and broke barriers for women in sport. After her athletic career, she earned a degree in education and taught history and physical education. As an educator, she championed women's athletics and mentored young female athletes. Her pioneering spirit paved the way for future generations of women in professional sports. She died in 2013, leaving a lasting legacy in both baseball and education.

William Tebeau was born in Baker City, Oregon, in 1925 and faced racial barriers in education. He enrolled at Oregon State College in 1948 and became its first African-American engineering graduate. After earning his degree in chemical engineering, he joined the Oregon State Highway Department. Tebeau excelled as a highway engineer and later mentored minority students in STEM fields. His achievements paved the way for greater diversity in engineering and higher education. In recognition of his legacy, a residence hall at Oregon State University was named in his honor. He died in 2013, celebrated as a pioneer for racial equality in the professions.

Born in 1943 in New York City, Andrew Goodman studied anthropology at the University of Wisconsin. He joined the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee to fight racial segregation in the South. During the 1964 Freedom Summer, he and colleagues James Chaney and Michael Schwerner were abducted and killed by the Ku Klux Klan. His death drew national outrage, helping to spur the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965. Goodman's sacrifice remains a powerful symbol of the struggle for racial equality.

Rick Bayless has built a culinary career centered on Mexican cuisine, studying and celebrating regional traditions. He founded the Frontera Grill and the award-winning Topolobampo in Chicago. Bayless hosts the PBS television series "Mexico: One Plate at a Time," introducing authentic Mexican dishes to home cooks. He is a multiple James Beard Award winner and known for rigorous research and innovative techniques. His cookbooks combine storytelling with precise instructions, making complex recipes accessible. Bayless is also active in culinary education and advocacy for sustainable farming practices.

Martin Snedden is a former New Zealand fast-medium bowler who represented his country in Tests and One Day Internationals during the 1980s and early 1990s. He played a key role in New Zealand cricket, including notable performances in the 1992 Cricket World Cup semifinal. After retiring from cricket, Snedden pursued a career in law and became a sports administrator, serving in leadership roles for major sporting events in New Zealand. He was instrumental in the success of the 2011 Rugby World Cup hosted by New Zealand. Snedden's diverse career reflects his passion for sports and governance.

Robin Roberts is a celebrated American television broadcaster who co-anchors ABC's Good Morning America. She began her career as a sports journalist, covering major events such as the Olympics and NBA Finals. Roberts joined Good Morning America in 2005 and has earned multiple Emmy Awards for her work. She is known for her compassionate interview style and advocacy for cancer survivors, having publicly battled her own health challenges. Roberts' contributions to journalism and her inspiring personal story have made her a beloved media figure.

Born in Edinburgh in 1968, Kirsty Young began her journalism career with regional news before joining the BBC in the 1990s. She presented flagship programs including Crimewatch, Breakfast News, and the long-running radio show Desert Island Discs from 2006 to 2018. Young has also hosted major election coverage and live events, earning a reputation for calm and insightful interviewing. In 2015, she was named Broadcaster of the Year for her contributions to radio and television. Beyond her media work, Young is an advocate for mental health awareness and has supported several charitable causes.