TOP 10 Humanitarians That Left a Mark on History Dead or Alive
by Humanitarians and their causes. Some of the most important minds of our time.
Harriet Tubman
Helped hundreds of slaves escape from slavery on her “Underground Railroad.” The railroad was a collection of safe homes for slaves to stay while they were making their journey to freedom. Tubman was known as “the Moses of her people”. She was a leader in the abolitionist movement, and during the Civil War she acted as a spy for federal forces.
“I had reasoned this out in my mind, there was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other.”
Princess Diana
The Princess of Wales was a well known supporter of all charity projects close to her heart.
As a princess, there was an expectation for her to involve herself with hospital organizations so that she could comfort the sick. Her interests surpassed her responsibilities when she concerned herself with certain illnesses and health-related matters. Diana was the first celebrity to actually touch a person with HIV. Her hope was to change the views or public opinions of the AIDS virus. Her royal blood and birthright did not overshadow her humanitarian acts of kindness. She was seen as a saint.
Betsy Ross
In case you didn’t pay attention in history class, Ross originally sewed buttons for George Washington; she was the daughter of George Ross. Ross was an upholsterer so; it was only fitting to have her sew the first American flag. She was presented the grand design by the committee and the colors were the same as the Great Seal of the United States. She will always be remembered for constructing the most significant symbol of freedom our country has ever had.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
He led a coalition against non-violence-which led India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. He is universally known around the world as Mahatma Gandhi. He is officially honored in India as the Father of the Nation; his birthday is on October 2, and it is known as the International Day of Non-Violence.
“We must be the change we wish to see.”
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
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Post CommentValery
On October 7, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Michael Jackson Should Have Made The List.:/
Lauren Axelrod
On October 8, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Valery,
Although I think Michael Jackson made an impact on humanity in a small sense, I hardly think he deserves to be in a category with Mother Theresa or Oskar Schindler who saved millions of lives. No caparison.
Dillon Thomas
On November 23, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Michael Jackson should be on this list. He had his own charity called heal the world, and donated over 300million to help people, traveled around the world to orphanages, and brought sick children to his Neverland Ranch where it was all about love, he believed love could heal everything, and it can!
Lexi
On December 10, 2009 at 9:20 pm
I agree. Michael Jackson should be on this list. He sacrificed his finacial credit just to help others. Though he has passed away, he is still here in many people’s hearts.
LB
On January 14, 2010 at 4:15 pm
To Lauren Axelrod, it’s petty and even demeaning to say whose efforts were more significant than another’s. Michael Jackson’s celebrity, flamboyance, and peculiar demeanor may not have made him shine in the same light as the others on the list, but that does not negate that his money, compassion, talent, and determination, indeed positively helped and affected people all over the world.
Lauren Axelrod
On January 14, 2010 at 6:54 pm
@LB
“it’s petty and even demeaning to say whose efforts were more significant than another’s”.
This is an opinion piece, and for you to even say that is utterly ridiculous when I have chosen people that I believe have changed the world. If you think it’s inappropriate, write you’re own article.
Oh good lord. Come on people, this article was written in August 2008. If I wanted to write about the Humanitarians around the world, I’m sure I would have added him on the list, maybe. This list is comprised on people that had more personal relationships with the needy. These relations were never in question, but as much as I would like to give Michael the benefit of the doubt, this list will not include him.
William
On January 14, 2010 at 6:57 pm
I am also wondering whether any of you have the slightest idea about the history of these individuals. You are comparing a completely different generation.
Michael Jackson, yes he did leave an impact on the world, but most of his money was spent to sustain his childlike fantasies. I’m really not sure if all of the bells and whistles he put into Neverland were just for himself, or used as bait for children.
No one will ever know.
If you read the title, it states “important minds of our time”. This is like comparing Michael Jackson to Darwin, a ridiculous thought to even think.
Peter Walsh
On June 4, 2010 at 2:28 pm
What about Canadian Terry Fox?
Nat
On September 30, 2010 at 12:38 am
I agree with William. Satisfaction of sick fantazing involving innnocent, naive children was his impetus to be charitable
Renee
On November 11, 2010 at 5:01 am
Lauren I came across your article and I was very curious to see who made the list so I went threw the entire list and was surprised to see some names, I was expecting to see several names as well like Michael Jackson, I know this was done in 2008, so My question what would make you not put Michael on this list? I know that he has had some trying times but who hasten? I know that there was a lot of controversy sounding him and although he is gone always will be, but My question is did u actually do research? And put the media aside and all the negitvenss souring him as side did u actually do research. But I think you would feel rather dumb for saying yes he had impact but everyone is better, I’m not quoting but just keeping it simple. See because I think that had u done actual research you would have know that more than half of what he made threw out his life was given to charity and ppl in need. You would have known that he was responsible for saving many lives in fact u can find a few on you tube. You would know that he has plans to build a children’s hospital that focus on cancer and burn victims. You would know that in death he left 20% of his estate to charity and not just one or 2 but around 200 pulse charities. How can you say he did have a relationship with the poor did you forget he was very poor growing up, how ppl hate on someone who worked night and day to be able to have the things he didn’t have as a child? Dose that mean ppl who have more than one car or pair of expensive shoes are selfish or self indulgent? Michael was cut off from a world like us because of his star not by choice.
You would know that unlike Angelina he used his celebrity to accomplish many things. Take 911 did a benefit song and donated 100% to fire Fighters and police men. And the list goes on and on. Michael May have had his problems but that never stopped him form helping someone or doing some sort of good, good that will keep giving for years and years to come. I find it sad that people are so bias against a man who helped more in life and in death than anyone who has negative comments to say. And BTW Michael had several charities here in La that benefit the homeless. He didn’t just got to far away countries he stayed in places like Ca too he was world wide, but I’m sure u knew all that and im sure u knew he said he did not to be noticed or for fame but because it was his calling. But I’m sure many of u knew that. So now that its 2010 would he have made ur list now?
I am not bashing you these are just simple questions, I respect everyone u put on the list..
JustMe
On January 5, 2011 at 2:27 pm
I’m late here I see that, but I just want to say this (I do respect your list by the way)…
Michael made a bigger impact on the world than a lot of people know. There is a lot of his charity work that is not documented because he didn’t like taking credit for it. He didn’t do charity and flash it about like people do now. He did it quietly because he loved to help others.
To Nat and William – grow up.
Michael didn’t simply have children at Neverland, he brought families and other celebrity friends out there to stay with him. I’m so sick of ignorant comments about what people THINK they know about MJ…
ShamoneBG
On January 13, 2011 at 11:18 am
Of course Michael Jackson deserves to be on the list. He dedicated his entire life to helping people and saving lives. He used his fame to help people live, he donated the money from his concerts to charity organizations, he even went through hell but never stopped caring and loving people. That’s what he’s born to do. And of course, the media didn’t show us this side of him. But that’s exactly what he is – LOVE in human form. And you have no idea how many people’s lives he’s changed and saved. I’m tired of explaining this to people and i don’t know why i still do it when everyone is drowning in their hate and prejudice…. Just… the next time check your information before you talk about someone you don’t know at all.
Mango
On March 15, 2011 at 1:16 am
I agree, Michael Jackson should have made it
common sense
On March 16, 2011 at 8:00 pm
michal jackson is not a good roll model like these others on this article…and for goodness sakes stop complaining about who she has on here get a life!
h
On May 24, 2011 at 8:56 pm
(-:
barry
On September 17, 2011 at 11:53 am
Daniel O’Connel. Campaigned for catholic emancipation in Ireland and inspired Martin Luther King and Gandhi amongst others.
Valery
On November 7, 2011 at 9:34 pm
This is Valery again and maybe you didn’t include him on the list because of his eccentrities, which is not fair. Dispute his personal life, he deserves to be on this list. You even stated you wouldn’t include him anyways….*sigh*
Bottom line no matter your life, I respect ALL people who have worked hard for this world.
Patricia B
On April 17, 2012 at 9:36 am
Michael Jackson most defenitely should be on the list. He did so much for humanity but unlike some other celebs like Oprah who made sure the world knew of her charitable contributions, Michael never flaunted it. He never did it for publicity. He did it out of the kindness of his heart. His message was to “Heal the World”, to make it a better place and he did it through his voice and his dance. He left behind an unparallel humanitarian legacy.