Welcome to The Washington D.C. Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• D.C. investor sells Manassas data center site for $113.5M.

• Upcoming George Washington Revolutionaries Men's Basketball match

• A deep-dive into the life of Langston Hughes

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"The only impossible journey is the one you never begin."

— Tony Robbins

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!

Which historic neighborhood in Washington DC is known for its colorful row houses and vibrant nightlife?

A) Georgetown

B) Capitol Hill

C) Dupont Circle

D) Adams Morgan

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The name of the Washington DC monument that honors the first President of the United States is: C) The Washington Monument

News

💼Business

Hogan Lovells subleases big chunk of its downtown D.C. office. (Link)

Philanthropy DMV shutting down amid nonprofit woes. (Link)

🏒Sports

WNBA corporate sponsorship deals are growing. But not every athlete is getting their due. (Link)

Rory McIlroy ends his year with another win in Dubai and a 6th title as Europe’s best. (Link)

🏦Finance

D.C. investor sells Manassas data center site for $113.5M. (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

🏀 NJIT Highlanders at George Washington Revolutionaries Men's Basketball
Charles E. Smith Center, Washington, DC
Monday, Nov. 18th | (More info)

🏀 Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers at Georgetown Hoyas Men's Basketball
Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Wednesday, Nov. 20th | (More info)

Concerts

🎶 Sturgill Simpson
The Anthem, Washington, DC
Monday, Nov. 18th (More info)

🎶 Lucinda Williams
Lincoln Theatre, Washington, DC
Tuesday, Nov. 19th (More info)

Family

🎤 Kids Open-Mic Night!
3222 11th Street Northwest, Washington, DC
Monday, Nov. 18th (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 “Post-apocalyptic Washington DC reclaimed by nature” 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

Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor (1941) - Though not in D.C., this event dramatically changes the city as the U.S. enters World War II.

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, marked a pivotal moment in world history, significantly impacting the United States' role in World War II and fundamentally altering the political and military landscape of Washington D.C. Despite the geographical distance from the nation's capital, the surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service against the naval base in Hawaii sent shockwaves through the American political establishment, thrusting the U.S. from a position of relative international isolationism into active engagement in the global conflict.

In the immediate aftermath of the attack, which resulted in the devastating loss of over 2,400 American lives, numerous battleships, and aircraft, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed a joint session of Congress in Washington D.C. His now-iconic speech, declaring December 7th as a date which will live in infamy, galvanized the nation, leading to the United States formally declaring war on Japan on December 8, 1941. This decisive moment signified a major shift in American foreign policy and military strategy, with Washington D.C. becoming the epicenter for war planning, international diplomacy, and the mobilization of millions of Americans for the war effort.

The attack on Pearl Harbor not only united the American public behind the war effort but also transformed Washington D.C. into a hive of wartime activity. Government agencies expanded rapidly, and the city saw an influx of military personnel, government workers, and support staff, leading to significant urban development and population growth. The U.S.'s entry into World War II, spurred by the events at Pearl Harbor, led to the establishment of the Pentagon, the world's largest office building, to accommodate the expanded Department of War, underscoring the profound and lasting changes to both the physical and political landscape of the capital. Thus, while Pearl Harbor and Washington D.C. are separated by thousands of miles, the repercussions of the 1941 attack irrevocably shaped the city and the nation it leads.

Famous People From Washington D.C.

Langston Hughes (1902–1967) - Renowned poet, social activist, novelist, and playwright of the Harlem Renaissance, lived in D.C. during his youth.

Langston Hughes, an iconic figure of the Harlem Renaissance, was an artist of exceptional diversity whose work spanned poetry, social activism, novels, and plays. His life and work are celebrated for their profound impact on American literature and for his dedication to portraying the beautiful complexities of Black life in the United States.

The Formative Years in the Midwest (1902-1920)

Born James Mercer Langston Hughes in Joplin, Missouri, in 1902, Hughes was introduced to the world of literature by his grandmother, Mary Langston, whose husband and brother-in-law were prominent abolitionists. Following his parents' separation, Hughes's early years were marked by a nomadic lifestyle, moving between various towns and cities. Despite these challenges, Hughes developed a fervent love of reading and writing, setting the stage for his future career.

Literary Aspirations in Washington D.C. and Abroad (1921-1924)

Moving to Washington D.C. during his youth, Hughes became part of the vibrant African-American cultural scene. While working as a busboy at a prominent hotel, Hughes boldly introduced himself to poet Vachel Lindsay by leaving his own poetry beside Lindsay's plate, a move that garnered Hughes his first major publicity. Yearning for broader horizons, Hughes spent a year in Mexico before enrolling at Columbia University in New York City, although he left after a year due to racial prejudice.

The Harlem Renaissance Beacon (1925-1931)

Hughes's participation in the Harlem Renaissance, a flourishing of African-American culture during the 1920s, catapulted him to literary stardom. His poem The Negro Speaks of Rivers, published in 1921, and the subsequent collection The Weary Blues in 1926, celebrated African-American culture and featured jazz and blues rhythms, helping to define the era.

A Voice for Social Justice (1932-1940)

During the 1930s, Hughes's work took a pronounced turn towards social activism. His travels to the Soviet Union, Haiti, and various countries in Europe deepened his critique of racial and economic inequalities, which he powerfully articulated in works like Scottsboro Limited and his columns in the Chicago Defender.

War Years and Beyond (1941-1950)

Hughes's creative output during World War II and the post-war era was prolific. He wrote columns for the Chicago Defender that blended social commentary with humor, and published several works, including the montage Montage of a Dream Deferred in 1951, reflecting the struggles and aspirations of Harlem's residents.

Fighting for Civil Rights Through Art (1951-1960)

The civil rights movement deeply influenced Hughes's work during the 1950s and 1960s. He remained a steadfast advocate for social justice, using his poetry, plays, and essays to champion civil rights and critique racism and segregation. His work during this period includes Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods for Jazz, which critiqued the state of race relations in America.

The Final Years: A Literary Giant's Legacy (1961-1967)

Towards the end of his life, Hughes continued to write and publish, though his health was declining. He released several books for children and compiled anthologies of African-American poetry, ensuring that future generations would have access to this rich cultural heritage. Hughes passed away from complications related to prostate cancer in 1967, leaving behind a monumental legacy.

Key Achievements of Langston Hughes:

• A leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance, bringing African-American literature to wide acclaim.

• Pioneered the fusion of jazz and blues rhythms with poetry, capturing the essence of African-American culture and life.

• Used literature and art as tools for social activism, advocating for civil rights and social justice through his extensive body of work.

• Published numerous works across genres, including poetry, novels, plays, and children’s books, showcasing his versatility as a writer.

• Inspired future generations of writers and activists with his commitment to truth and beauty in expressing the African-American experience.

Langston Hughes's life was a testament to the power of art as a means for social change. His enduring commitment to portraying the African-American experience with honesty, warmth, and complexity has solidified his standing as one of the most influential and revered figures in American literature. Through his diverse body of work, Hughes not only shaped the Harlem Renaissance but also left an indelible mark on the broader landscape of 20th-century American culture.

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-Yannick Lyons

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