Laverne Cox is an American actress, producer, and transgender rights advocate, widely recognized for her role as Sophia Burset on the Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black.” Born on May 29, 1972, in Mobile, Alabama, Cox has become a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community. Her portrayal of Sophia earned her critical acclaim and made her the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. Beyond acting, Cox is an outspoken advocate for transgender rights, using her platform to raise awareness of the issues facing the transgender community. Her work extends into public speaking, where she addresses topics of identity, inclusion, and human rights.

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Andrés Manuel López Obrador, commonly referred to by his initials AMLO, is a Mexican politician serving as the President of Mexico since December 2018. Born on November 13, 1953, in Tepetitán, Tabasco, López Obrador is known for his populist and nationalist policies. Prior to his presidency, he served as the Head of Government of Mexico City from 2000 to 2005. His political career is marked by a focus on social programs and anti-corruption measures, advocating for greater state involvement in the economy and social welfare. López Obrador is a member of the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA), a party he helped found in 2014, which aims to address the disparities and corruption entrenched in Mexican politics.

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Jane Fonda is an American actress, activist, and fitness guru, born on December 21, 1937, in New York City. Fonda has won multiple Academy Awards and has starred in a range of critically acclaimed films throughout a career that spans over six decades. Beyond her accomplishments in film, she is also known for her political activism, particularly her opposition to the Vietnam War and her advocacy for environmental causes and women’s rights. In the 1980s, she released a series of aerobic-exercise videos, which were hugely popular and helped shape the fitness craze during that era. More recently, Fonda has been active in climate change advocacy, participating in and organizing numerous protests to raise awareness about environmental issues.

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Aung San Suu Kyi is a Burmese politician and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, recognized for her long-standing opposition to military rule in Myanmar. Born on June 19, 1945, in Rangoon, British Burma, she became an iconic figure in Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement. Suu Kyi spent nearly 15 years under house arrest for her efforts to bring democracy to her country. Her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), achieved a significant victory in 2015, leading to her role as State Counsellor, a position akin to Prime Minister. However, her international reputation suffered due to her government’s handling of the Rohingya crisis, which has been widely criticized globally. Her leadership tenure was abruptly ended by a military coup in February 2021, leading to her detention.

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Desmond Tutu was a South African Anglican bishop and social rights activist who gained worldwide fame during the 1980s as an opponent of apartheid. Born on October 7, 1931, in Klerksdorp, South Africa, Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his efforts in resolving and ending apartheid peacefully. His deep commitment to justice and racial reconciliation was reflected in his leadership of the South African Council of Churches and his later role as the Chair of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, where he worked to heal the country’s wounds from years of racial segregation. Known for his ebullient spirit and deep faith, Tutu’s moral compass and outspoken nature made him one of the world’s most beloved and respected figures. He passed away on December 26, 2021.

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Wangari Maathai was a Kenyan environmental and political activist, renowned for her dedication to sustainability and social justice. Born on April 1, 1940, in Nyeri, Kenya, she founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977, an environmental organization that promotes tree planting, environmental conservation, and women’s rights. Maathai’s work with the Green Belt Movement led to the planting of over 50 million trees in Kenya, helping to combat deforestation and poverty. In 2004, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her “holistic approach to sustainable development that embraces democracy, human rights, and women’s rights in particular.” Maathai’s legacy is marked by her tireless advocacy for the environment, peace, and empowerment of women, making her a pivotal figure in global environmentalism.

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Bill McKibben is an American environmentalist, author, and journalist known for his early and influential writings on climate change. Born on December 8, 1960, in Palo Alto, California, McKibben’s 1989 book “The End of Nature” is regarded as one of the first books for a general audience about global warming. He has written extensively on the impact of global warming, alternative energy, and the need for more localized economies. In 2007, McKibben founded 350.org, an international climate campaign that works to build a global grassroots movement to tackle climate change through advocacy and public demonstrations. His activism and writing have played a significant role in mobilizing support for environmental issues and influencing public opinion and policy on climate change globally.

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Kailash Satyarthi is an Indian children’s rights activist renowned for his work against child labor and advocacy for the right to education. Born on January 11, 1954, in Vidisha, India, he founded the Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save the Childhood Movement) in 1980. His efforts have contributed to the rescue of over 80,000 children from various forms of servitude and helped in their successful rehabilitation. Satyarthi’s dedication to children’s rights was globally recognized when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 alongside Malala Yousafzai.

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Vandana Shiva is an Indian scholar, environmental activist, and food sovereignty advocate, known for her work in promoting biodiversity and ecological sustainability. Born on November 5, 1952, in Dehradun, India, she has been a vocal critic of modern agriculture and biotechnology, particularly opposing the use of genetically modified seeds and pesticides. Shiva founded the Research Foundation for Science, Technology, and Ecology, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing sustainable methods of agriculture. Her activism extends to issues of intellectual property rights and bioethics, arguing that seeds should be freely available and not patented. Shiva’s influential work has earned her numerous awards and recognition globally, positioning her as a major figure in environmental and feminist movements.

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David Attenborough is a renowned British broadcaster and natural historian, celebrated for his comprehensive work on documentary series that highlight the beauty and complexity of the natural world. Born on May 8, 1926, in London, England, Attenborough’s career spans over six decades with the BBC, where he has written, produced, and presented numerous groundbreaking nature documentaries, including the “Life” series and “Planet Earth.” His work is distinguished by its focus on conservation and environmental issues, using compelling storytelling and pioneering camera techniques to capture breathtaking landscapes and wildlife behavior. Attenborough’s voice and on-screen presence have made him a beloved and respected figure in both broadcasting and environmental advocacy.

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