Malcolm X (May 19, 1925 – February 21, 1965)
- Brief biography: African American Muslim minister and human rights activist.
- Key achievements: Prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement, advocated for Black empowerment.
- Historical context: Civil Rights era in the United States.
- Impact: Challenged mainstream civil rights movement, influenced Black Power movement.
- Notable quote: “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
- Legacy: Continues to be a symbol of Black pride and self-determination.
Florence Nightingale (May 12, 1820 – August 13, 1910)
- Brief biography: English social reformer, statistician, and founder of modern nursing.
- Key achievements: Established nursing as a respectable profession, pioneered in medical statistics.
- Historical context: Victorian era, Crimean War.
- Impact: Revolutionized hospital sanitation and patient care.
- Notable work: “Notes on Nursing.”
- Legacy: Known as the “Lady with the Lamp,” her principles still influence modern nursing.
Sigmund Freud (May 6, 1856 – September 23, 1939)
- Brief biography: Austrian neurologist and founder of psychoanalysis.
- Key achievements: Developed theories of the unconscious mind and the mechanisms of repression.
- Historical context: Late 19th/early 20th century Vienna.
- Impact: Profoundly influenced psychology, psychiatry, and Western thought.
- Notable work: “The Interpretation of Dreams.”
- Legacy: His theories continue to influence psychology and popular culture.
Audrey Hepburn (May 4, 1929 – January 20, 1993)
- Brief biography: British actress and humanitarian.
- Key achievements: Academy Award-winning actress, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
- Historical context: Golden Age of Hollywood, post-World War II era.
- Impact: Fashion icon and influential humanitarian.
- Notable work: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “Roman Holiday.”
- Legacy: Remembered for her film career and extensive work with UNICEF.
Miles Davis (May 26, 1926 – September 28, 1991)
- Brief biography: American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and composer.
- Key achievements: Pioneered several jazz styles including cool jazz and jazz fusion.
- Historical context: Evolution of jazz in the mid-20th century.
- Impact: One of the most influential figures in the history of jazz.
- Notable work: “Kind of Blue” album.
- Legacy: Continues to influence jazz and popular music.