Peter Sexford Magubane was a South African award-winning internationally renowned photojournalist
and anti-apartheid activist best known for documenting the cruelties of white South African apartheid
rule, whilst enduring beatings and imprisonment. Magubane developed an interest in photography as a
child after his father bought him a Kodak Box Brownie. His career as a photographer began in the early
1950s at Drum as a driver but after six months of odd jobs he was given an opportunity to cov... morePeter Sexford Magubane was a South African award-winning internationally renowned photojournalist
and anti-apartheid activist best known for documenting the cruelties of white South African apartheid
rule, whilst enduring beatings and imprisonment. Magubane developed an interest in photography as a
child after his father bought him a Kodak Box Brownie. His career as a photographer began in the early
1950s at Drum as a driver but after six months of odd jobs he was given an opportunity to cover the
1955 ANC convention. Magubane’s work gained international recognition. He photographed key events
of the anti-apartheid movement such as the protests against the Pass Laws, the rise of Umkhonto we
Sizwe, Nelson Mandela’s arrest, the Rivonia Trial, the banning of the ANC, the Sharpeville riots, the rise
of Steve Biko’s Black Consciousness Movement, and the Soweto student uprisings. Magubane was
persecuted for taking these photographs so at times he would hide his camera in a hollowed out Bible,
inside his jacket, a milk carton or half a loaf of bread. During this period he endured 98 days in solitary
confinement and six months imprisonment. Magubane also experienced harassment, beatings, buckshot
wounds, long periods of arrest and interrogation. He was shot seventeen times at a student’s funeral in
Natal spruit. He was even given a 5-year banning order until 1975. Overtime he published 17, has several
exhibitions and honorary degrees and numerous awards including the Robert Capa Gold Medal.
Ruy Alberto Vieira Dias Rodrigues Mingas, was an Angolan singer, songwriter, diplomat, businessman,
and politician best known for Serving in the Angolan government as a deputy in the National Assembly,
secretary with the status of Minister of Sports and ambassador of Angola to Portugal. Mingas belonged
to a family of influential Angolan musicians. He is credit for the development of various genres, including
the traditional Semba and the contemporary dance music, Kizomba. His most well known... moreRuy Alberto Vieira Dias Rodrigues Mingas, was an Angolan singer, songwriter, diplomat, businessman,
and politician best known for Serving in the Angolan government as a deputy in the National Assembly,
secretary with the status of Minister of Sports and ambassador of Angola to Portugal. Mingas belonged
to a family of influential Angolan musicians. He is credit for the development of various genres, including
the traditional Semba and the contemporary dance music, Kizomba. His most well known songs are
"Cantiga por Luciana" and "Poema da farra". He also composed the music for Angola Avante, the
national anthem of Angola. In addition to his music career, Mingas had a successful diplomatic and
political career which began in the 1970s where he participated in the war of Angola's independence as
a member of Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) . Mingas was a successful
businessman, involved in several ventures including owning a popular nightclub in Luanda, which was a
hub for Angolan music and culture. Additionally, he invested in real estate and other businesses that
helped create jobs and improve the standard of living for Angolans. Throughout his life, Mingas was
dedicated to helping others and improving the lives of those in need. He established the Ruy Mingas
Foundation, which focused on providing education, healthcare, and social support to underprivileged
communities in Angola. The foundation has made significant strides in improving the living conditions
and opportunities for many Angolans.
Benjamin Obadiah Iqbal Zephaniah, was a renowned British writer, dub poet, actor, musician, and
professor of poetry and creative writing, best known for his collections of poems including Talking
Turkeys that often addressed political injustice. Zephaniah discovered his passion for poetry at an early
age and began writing and performing his own verses. Growing up in a racially diverse and economically
disadvantaged neighborhood, he experienced firsthand the social injustices and racial discr... moreBenjamin Obadiah Iqbal Zephaniah, was a renowned British writer, dub poet, actor, musician, and
professor of poetry and creative writing, best known for his collections of poems including Talking
Turkeys that often addressed political injustice. Zephaniah discovered his passion for poetry at an early
age and began writing and performing his own verses. Growing up in a racially diverse and economically
disadvantaged neighborhood, he experienced firsthand the social injustices and racial discrimination
that would become recurring themes in his artistic expression. Zephaniah overcame all that including
periods of homelessness to become a prominent figure in the British arts scene. In the 1980s, Zephaniah
rose to prominence as a leading figure in the dub poetry movement, which combined elements of
reggae music with spoken word poetry. His powerful and politically charged performances resonated
with audiences, addressing issues of racism, inequality, and social unrest. Zephaniah's poetry gave voice
to the marginalized and oppressed, challenging the status quo and demanding justice. Zephaniah’s
impact extended beyond the arts as he became a professor of poetry and creative writing at various
institutions. He used his platform to advocate for education reform and promote creativity as a tool for
empowerment. Zephaniah also ventured into music, and also pursued a successful acting career,
appearing in stage productions and films.
Ohad "Ady" Barkan was an American lawyer and liberal activist best known for fighting for access to
universal health care, improved home health support and other reforms to America’s health-care
system. He was also a co-founder of the Be a Hero PAC and was an organizer for the Center for Popular
Democracy, where he led the Fed Up campaign. Barkan studied political science at Columbia University,
where he became increasingly involved in student activism. After graduating from college, Barkan
... moreOhad "Ady" Barkan was an American lawyer and liberal activist best known for fighting for access to
universal health care, improved home health support and other reforms to America’s health-care
system. He was also a co-founder of the Be a Hero PAC and was an organizer for the Center for Popular
Democracy, where he led the Fed Up campaign. Barkan studied political science at Columbia University,
where he became increasingly involved in student activism. After graduating from college, Barkan
worked as a community organizer for several years before attending law school at Yale University. As a
lawyer, Barkan focused on civil rights litigation and advocacy. At 32 he was diagnosed with a
neurodegenerative disease ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease) which inspired him to advocate for
healthcare reforms. In 2017, Barkan confronted Senator Jeff Flake on a plane in 2017, asking him to "be
a hero" and vote no on a tax bill that threatened cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Barkan
was also an influential voice in progressive circles. He wrote frequently for publications such as The New
York Times, The Nation, and The Huffington Post, and he appeared on television news programs to
discuss current events and legal issues.
Lebohang Mpayana was a talented South African actress who gained recognition for her role in the
popular television series DiepCity. Her career in the entertainment industry was marked by her
exceptional talent and dedication to her craft. Mpayana's journey in the acting world began at a young
age when she discovered her passion for performing arts. She honed her skills through various theater
productions and local television appearances before landing her breakthrough role in DiepCity. The
... moreLebohang Mpayana was a talented South African actress who gained recognition for her role in the
popular television series DiepCity. Her career in the entertainment industry was marked by her
exceptional talent and dedication to her craft. Mpayana's journey in the acting world began at a young
age when she discovered her passion for performing arts. She honed her skills through various theater
productions and local television appearances before landing her breakthrough role in DiepCity. The
show, showcased Mpayana's versatility as an actress and allowed her to captivate audiences with her
compelling performances. Throughout her career, Mpayana became known for her ability to portray
complex characters with depth and authenticity. Her dedication to her craft was evident in every role
she took on, as she immersed herself fully into each character's emotions and motivations. Her talent
resonated with viewers, earning her a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim within the industry.
Mpayana's impact extended beyond the screen. She used her platform to advocate for social issues
close to her heart, including gender equality and representation in the entertainment industry. Her
activism inspired many, and she became a role model for aspiring actors and actresses who looked up to
her as a beacon of hope and empowerment.
Nompulo Dlamini was a South African influential figure in raising awareness about cystic fibrosis (CF), a
genetic disorder affecting the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. She dedicated her life to
advocating for those affected by this genetic disorder and educating the public about its impact. She was
diagnosed with CF at just three years old, which came with numerous challenges, including frequent
hospitalizations, medication regimens, and the constant fear of infection. At ... moreNompulo Dlamini was a South African influential figure in raising awareness about cystic fibrosis (CF), a
genetic disorder affecting the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. She dedicated her life to
advocating for those affected by this genetic disorder and educating the public about its impact. She was
diagnosed with CF at just three years old, which came with numerous challenges, including frequent
hospitalizations, medication regimens, and the constant fear of infection. At the age of 15, Nompulo
became an advocate for CF awareness, speaking at local events and sharing her story with others. She
co-founded the non-profit organization "Breathe for Life" which aimed to improve the quality of life for
people with CF in South Africa and also used social media to reach a wider audience. Through her
advocacy, she raised awareness about the need for better healthcare services, increased funding for
research, and improved access to treatment for those affected by CF. In 2017, Nompulo was recognized
as one of the "Top 20 Young People Making a Difference in the World" by the International Association
of Youth Organizations. Her life's work and legacy continue to inspire hope and resilience in the CF
community and beyond.
Kevin Price Phillips was a prominent American writer and commentator best known for his insightful
analysis of politics, economics, and history. Phillips gained national recognition with the publication of
his groundbreaking book, "The Emerging Republican Majority" (1969), which predicted the electoral realignment that would lead to Republican dominance in American politics for the next several decades. This work established him as a leading political analyst and earned him a reputation for hi... moreKevin Price Phillips was a prominent American writer and commentator best known for his insightful
analysis of politics, economics, and history. Phillips gained national recognition with the publication of
his groundbreaking book, "The Emerging Republican Majority" (1969), which predicted the electoral realignment that would lead to Republican dominance in American politics for the next several decades. This work established him as a leading political analyst and earned him a reputation for his astute understanding of electoral trends and the shifting dynamics of American parties. Throughout his career, Phillips authored numerous books that tackled a wide range of topics, including the role of religion in politics, the influence of finance on American society, and the impact of globalization on the middle
class. His writings often challenged conventional wisdom and provided fresh perspectives on complex
issues. Notable works include "American Theocracy: The Peril and Politics of Radical Religion, Oil, and
Borrowed Money in the 21st Century" (2006) and "Bad Money: Reckless Finance, Failed Politics, and the Global Crisis of American Capitalism" (2008). In addition to his books, Phillips was a regular
commentator and contributor to various media outlets, including The New York Times, The Wall Street
Journal, and National Public Radio. His insightful analysis and thought-provoking commentary made him
a respected voice in political and economic discourse. He received numerous accolades for his work,
including the Arthur Ross Book Award from the Council on Foreign Relations.
Michael Chiarello was a renowned American celebrity chef best known for his Italian-influenced California cuisine and for hosting the cooking show Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello on Food Network, and NapaStyle on Fine Living Network. Chiarello's passion for cooking began at a young age, inspired by the culinary traditions of his Italian family. He honed his skills in renowned restaurants such as The Restaurant at Domaine Chandon and Tra Vigne before he opened his own restaurant, Tra Vig... moreMichael Chiarello was a renowned American celebrity chef best known for his Italian-influenced California cuisine and for hosting the cooking show Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello on Food Network, and NapaStyle on Fine Living Network. Chiarello's passion for cooking began at a young age, inspired by the culinary traditions of his Italian family. He honed his skills in renowned restaurants such as The Restaurant at Domaine Chandon and Tra Vigne before he opened his own restaurant, Tra Vigne, in the heart of Napa Valley, California in 1995. The restaurant quickly became a destination for food enthusiasts seeking his unique culinary creations. Beyond his restaurant ventures, Chiarello became a familiar face on television. He hosted several cooking shows, including "Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello" and "NapaStyle," where he shared his passion for food and cooking with a wide audience. His warm and engaging personality, combined with his culinary expertise, made him a beloved figure in the culinary television landscape. Chiarello was also an accomplished author, having written multiple cookbooks that reflected his culinary philosophy and provided readers with recipes and tips for recreating his signature dishes at home. His books, including "Flavored Oils: 50 Recipes for Cooking with Infused Oils" and "Michael Chiarello's Casual Cooking," became popular resources for aspiring home cooks.
Beverly Willis was a highly influential American architect best known for playing a major role in the development of many architectural concepts and practices that influenced the design of American cities and architecture. One of Willis's notable achievements was her work as the founding director of the San Francisco-based Women's Environmental Art Movement (WEAM) in the 1970s. WEAM aimed to raise awareness about the underrepresentation of women in the architectural and design fields. Under Will... moreBeverly Willis was a highly influential American architect best known for playing a major role in the development of many architectural concepts and practices that influenced the design of American cities and architecture. One of Willis's notable achievements was her work as the founding director of the San Francisco-based Women's Environmental Art Movement (WEAM) in the 1970s. WEAM aimed to raise awareness about the underrepresentation of women in the architectural and design fields. Under Willis's leadership, WEAM organized exhibitions, meetings, and publications that shed light on the contributions of women in these disciplines. Additionally, Willis was a firm advocate for the inclusion of women in architectural history. In 2002, she established the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation (BWAF), which focused on documenting and preserving the history of women in architecture. Through the foundation, she spearheaded the creation of the "Pioneering Women of American Architecture" exhibition, which showcased the works of pioneering female architects and their impact on the built environment. Willis also championed and embraced computer-aided design (CAD) and was one of the early architects to explore its potential applications in the industry. In recognition of her significant contributions to the field, Willis was elected as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA) in 2017. This prestigious honor exemplified her dedication and impact as an architect.
Zoleka Mandela, was a prominent South African writer and activist best known for being the
granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, the iconic anti-apartheid revolutionary and former President of
South Africa. She wrote about her addictions, her daughter's death, and her own battles with breast
cancer. She was also chosen as one of the BBC's "100 Women&" in 2016. Mandela used her voice to shed light on important social issues and advocate for change. She authored several books that tackled topics
su... moreZoleka Mandela, was a prominent South African writer and activist best known for being the
granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, the iconic anti-apartheid revolutionary and former President of
South Africa. She wrote about her addictions, her daughter's death, and her own battles with breast
cancer. She was also chosen as one of the BBC's "100 Women&" in 2016. Mandela used her voice to shed light on important social issues and advocate for change. She authored several books that tackled topics
such as mental health, addiction, domestic violence, cancer and HIV/AIDS. Her writings were deeply
personal and often drawn from her own experiences, allowing readers to connect with her on a
profound level. Through her words, she aimed to raise awareness, challenge societal norms, and inspire
others to take action. In addition to her literary endeavors, Mandela was a passionate activist. She
dedicated herself to fighting for social justice and equality in South Africa and beyond. She actively
campaigned against gender-based violence and worked tirelessly to empower women and girls.
Mandela believed in the power of education as a tool for change and advocated for improved access to
quality education for all. Furthermore, Mandela was an advocate for road safety. Having lost her own 13
year old daughter to a traffic accident, she became a vocal proponent for stricter road regulations and
increased awareness about the importance of safe driving practices.
Matteo Messina Denaro, also known as "Diabolik," was a prominent Sicilian Mafia boss from Castelvetrano, Sicily best known as one of the most elusive and feared criminals in Italy, operating as the head of the Cosa Nostra in the Trapani province. Denaro was the son of a mafia boss, his criminal career began in the 1980s when he became associated with the Mafia. He quickly gained a reputation for his ruthlessness and cunning tactics, earning him the nickname "Diabolik" due to his ability to evade... moreMatteo Messina Denaro, also known as "Diabolik," was a prominent Sicilian Mafia boss from Castelvetrano, Sicily best known as one of the most elusive and feared criminals in Italy, operating as the head of the Cosa Nostra in the Trapani province. Denaro was the son of a mafia boss, his criminal career began in the 1980s when he became associated with the Mafia. He quickly gained a reputation for his ruthlessness and cunning tactics, earning him the nickname "Diabolik" due to his ability to evade capture and his sinister nature. He was known for his involvement in various criminal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, money laundering, and murder. Throughout his life, Denaro managed to avoid capture and remained one of Italy's most wanted fugitives for over two decades. Denaro's criminal empire extended beyond Italy's borders, with connections to international criminal organizations. His alleged involvement in international drug trafficking networks solidified his position as one of the most powerful and influential figures in organized crime. He became one of the ten most wanted and powerful criminals in the world. Denaro was arrested in Sicily by Italian police, on 16 January 2023 after being a fugitive since 1993. He died in hospital where he was receiving treatment for colon cancer after falling into an irreversible coma putting an end to his reign of terror that lasted for several decades.
Éva Pusztai-Fahidi was a Hungarian author and Holocaust survivor best known for her powerful memoirs and contributions to Holocaust education. Her life was marked by the horrors of World War II and the Holocaust, which had a profound impact on her personal and professional journey. Pusztai-Fahidi grew up in a middle-class Jewish family and enjoyed a relatively comfortable childhood. However, her life took a drastic turn with the rise of anti-Semitism and the occupation of Hungary by Nazi German... moreÉva Pusztai-Fahidi was a Hungarian author and Holocaust survivor best known for her powerful memoirs and contributions to Holocaust education. Her life was marked by the horrors of World War II and the Holocaust, which had a profound impact on her personal and professional journey. Pusztai-Fahidi grew up in a middle-class Jewish family and enjoyed a relatively comfortable childhood. However, her life took a drastic turn with the rise of anti-Semitism and the occupation of Hungary by Nazi Germany in 1944. At the age of 18, she and her family were forced into the Budapest Ghetto, where they endured extreme deprivation and witnessed the atrocities committed against their fellow Jews. After the war in 1945, Pusztai-Fahidi dedicated herself to rebuilding her life and seeking justice for the victims of the Holocaust. However it wasn't until later in life that she found the courage to share her own experiences of the war. Pusztai-Fahidi became an active participant in Holocaust education programs, sharing her story with students and speaking at various events. She spoke out and warned people of the re-emergence of far-right populism and discrimination against minorities across Europe. She believed in the importance of remembering and learning from the past to prevent similar atrocities from happening again.
