World Humanitarian Day

Forget superhero movies — humanitarians are real life people who are moving mountains, challenging the status quo, and getting things done. This World Humanitarian Day we’re celebrating all the people who dedicate their time and energy to human care. Here are a few of the real-life superheroes who have inspired us:

Harriet Tubman - Born in 1822 in Maryland, Tubman was an African American who overcame slavery. She then risked her life to save other enslaved people by helping them escape through the Underground Railroad. Overall, she led 13 missions and rescued 70 people. Aside from her escape missions, Harriet also worked as a spy for the Union during the American Civil War.

Martin Luther King – Dr. King was an African American clergyman and activist who spearheaded the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s. He advocated non-violent methods to advance civil rights in the US and around the world.

Mother Teresa – A Roman Catholic nun who spent 45 years in the service of others, Mother Teresa founded the order, The Missionaries of Charity, to look after abandoned babies and to help the poorest of the poor. In 1979 she received the Nobel Peace Prize. After her death, she was canonized as Saint Teresa.

Nelson Mandela - Incarcerated for 27 years for his efforts to abolish racial segregation in South Africa, Nelson Mandela spent the best part of his youth working with the African National Congress, which advocated a non-violent approach to changing the apartheid laws in the country.

Oskar Schindler - This German industrialist saved over 1,000 Jews during the Holocaust by using his power and the factory’s importance to shield his workers from the numerous Gestapo raids and threats of deportation.

Mala Yousafzai - Champion of education for young women in Pakistan and, more recently, how homelessness impacts limits young women's access to educational opportunities, Malala Yousafzai is the youngest recipient of a Nobel Prize.

These examples of people who have dedicated their lives to human care are some of the best-known. We know there are many unsung humanitarians, and we celebrate you today and every day!