Welcome to The Washington D.C. Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Laurel townhome community sells for $54M.

• Upcoming Lena Seikaly concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Julia Ward Howe

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“If you are not willing to risk the usual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.”

— Jim Rohn

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

In Washington DC, which building is the seat of the legislative branch of the U.S. government?

A) The White House

B) The Supreme Court

C) The United States Capitol

D) The Library of Congress

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The building in Washington DC that is the seat of the legislative branch of the U.S. government is C) The United States Capitol.

News

💼Business

Onelife Fitness, now owned by Josh Harris, expanding East Coast footprint. (Link)

Real estate veteran shares a unique take on suburban placemaking in North Bethesda. (Link)

🏒Sports

Lindsey Vonn finishes 24th in downhill in her first race since announcing her return at age 40. (Link)

Kentuckian bets $3.1 million on Eagles to beat Panthers Sunday. (Link)

🏦Finance

Laurel townhome community sells for $54M. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports Events

🏒 Capital Hockey Classic: Army vs. Penn State
Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Thursday, Dec. 12th | (More info)

🏀 Army Black Knights vs. Howard Bison Women's Basketball
Burr Gymnasium, Washington, DC
Friday, Dec. 13th | (More info)

Concerts

🎵 They Might Be Giants
9:30 Club, Washington, DC
Monday, Dec. 9th | (More info)

🎶 Lena Seikaly
Blues Alley, Washington, DC
Tuesday, Dec. 10th | (More info)

Family

🕯️ Gelt and Glow: A Chanukah Candle-Making Workshop
600 I St NW, Washington, DC
Tuesday, Dec. 10th | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Urban winter wonderland in Washington DC with ice architecture” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Washington D.C. Historical Events

Iran Hostage Crisis (1979-1981) - The crisis profoundly impacts American politics and society, with major developments and coverage centered in D.C.

The Iran Hostage Crisis, unfolding from 1979 to 1981, represents one of the most tense and consequential periods of modern American history, deeply impacting the nation's politics, society, and its perception on the global stage. It began on November 4, 1979, when Iranian militants stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking 52 American diplomats and citizens hostage. This act was in retaliation for the United States' support of the recently deposed Shah of Iran, who had been allowed entry into the U.S. for medical treatment. The crisis immediately seized the attention of the American public and became a daily concern for the administration in Washington D.C.

In Washington D.C., the crisis became the dominant issue, setting the tone for President Jimmy Carter's administration during its final year. The Carter administration's inability to successfully negotiate the hostages' release or to free them through a military operation (Operation Eagle Claw ended in disaster) became a significant factor in the 1980 presidential election. The relentless media coverage and daily count of the number of days the hostages had been held captive kept the crisis at the forefront of the American public's consciousness, influencing the political discourse and becoming a symbol of national humiliation.

The hostages were finally released on January 20, 1981, the day Ronald Reagan was inaugurated as President, ending the 444-day ordeal. The resolution came after painstaking negotiations, culminating in the Algiers Accords. The aftermath of the crisis saw changes in U.S. foreign policy and security protocols, but perhaps its most enduring impact was on the American psyche. The sense of vulnerability and the spectacle of a superpower seemingly unable to secure the release of its citizens had a profound effect, shaping the political landscape in Washington D.C. and the nation's approach to international relations and conflicts in the Middle East for years to come.

Famous People From Washington D.C.

Julia Ward Howe (1819–1910) - Abolitionist, social activist, and poet, best known for "The Battle Hymn of the Republic.

Julia Ward Howe was a formidable force in American social activism, best remembered for penning The Battle Hymn of the Republic. Her life, spanning nearly a century, encapsulated her roles as an abolitionist, social activist, and poet, illustrating her multifaceted contributions to American society.

Early Years and Education (1819-1839)

Julia Ward was born into a prominent New York family. Despite facing the early loss of her mother, she received a thorough education from her father and private tutors. This foundation fostered her burgeoning interest in literature and social issues.

Marriage and Early Activism (1840-1861)

In 1843, Julia married Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe, a fervent abolitionist. This union further propelled her into the circles of social reform. Despite the constraints of motherhood and society, Julia found ways to express her intellectual and activist pursuits through writing.

The Battle Hymn of the Republic (1861)

Howe's most lasting contribution came during a visit to a Union Army camp in 1861. Inspired by the soldiers' singing of John Brown's Body, she penned the words to The Battle Hymn of the Republic. This poem became an enduring anthem of the Civil War and abolitionist movement.

Expansion into Social Activism (1862-1870)

Following her success, Howe broadened her activism. She advocated for women's suffrage, prison reform, and peace, showcasing her versatility as an activist. Her organizational skills led to the formation of several associations aimed at promoting social welfare and activism.

Founding of the American Woman Suffrage Association (1870-1890)

In 1869, differing from some contemporaries, Howe helped establish the American Woman Suffrage Association, which focused on gaining voting rights through amendments to individual state constitutions. This strategy highlighted her pragmatic approach to reform.

Literary Contributions (Throughout Her Life)

Throughout her life, Howe continued to write and publish. Her works included poetry, travel literature, and essays. These publications offered insights into her feminist and abolitionist ideologies, further cementing her intellectual legacy.

Peace Activism and Later Years (1890-1910)

In her later years, Howe became increasingly involved in peace activism. She was instrumental in founding the American branch of the Woman's International Peace Association. Howe's dedication to peace culminated in her proposal for a Mother's Day dedicated to peace, a precursor to the modern Mother's Day.

Her Connection to Washington DC

Julia Ward Howe's activism inevitably led her to Washington DC, where she engaged with political leaders and gave lectures advocating for her causes. Her presence in the capital underscored her stature as a national figure in the movements for abolition, women's rights, and peace.

Passing and Legacy (1910)

Julia Ward Howe passed away in 1910, leaving behind a legacy of activism and literary contribution. Her life's work made significant strides in social reform, inspiring future generations of activists and thinkers.

Key Achievements of Julia Ward Howe:

• Authored The Battle Hymn of the Republic, an anthem of freedom and justice.

• Co-founded the American Woman Suffrage Association, promoting women's voting rights.

• Advocate for peace, proposing the idea for a Mother's Day dedicated to peace.

• Literary contribution included poetry, essays, and travel literature advocating for social reform.

• Inducted into the American Poets' Corner at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, posthumously honoring her literary and social contributions.

Julia Ward Howe's life exemplifies the power of words and activism in shaping societal change. As a poet and social activist, she navigated the complexities of 19th-century America to advocate for abolition, women's rights, and peace. Her enduring legacy, marked by The Battle Hymn of the Republic and her relentless pursuit of justice, continues to inspire and resonate with generations beyond her time.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Yannick Lyons

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