Welcome to The Washington D.C. Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Allegiant Airways adding 4 new routes at Dulles International Airport

• Upcoming Delta Sleep concert

• A deep-dive into the life of John F. Kennedy

• 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 Washington DC university is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution of higher learning in the United States?

A) American University

B) George Washington University

C) Georgetown University

D) Howard University

Answer to Week 16's Trivia:

The historic neighborhood in Washington DC known for its colorful row houses and vibrant nightlife is: D) Adams Morgan.

News

💼Business

Roadside sells City Ridge multifamily for nearly $280M to Japanese REIT. (Link)

Major downtown D.C. office scheduled for foreclosure auction over $302M debt. (Link)

🏒Sports

Julian Reese leads seven in double figures to pace Maryland in a 108-37 rout over Canisius. (Link)

Spirit owner’s $30 million gift zeroes in on U.S. Soccer’s female programs. (Link)

🏦Finance

Allegiant Airways adding 4 new routes at Dulles International Airport. (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

🏒 Colorado Avalanche at Washington Capitals
Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Thursday, Nov. 21st | (More info)

🏀 USA Men's Basketball vs Puerto Rico
Entertainment & Sports Arena, Washington, DC
Friday, Nov. 22nd | (More info)

Concerts

🎤 Sturgill Simpson
The Anthem, Washington, DC
Thursday, Nov. 21st | (More info)

🎸 Delta Sleep
Black Cat, Washington, DC
Friday, Nov. 22nd | (More info)

Family

🧘 Youth Yoga Saturday - Mindfulness for Kids
3433 33rd Place Northwest, Washington, DC
Saturday, Nov. 23rd | (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 “Washington DC with a blend of ancient and futuristic 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

Martin Luther King Jr.'s I Have a Dream Speech (1963) - Delivered during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s I Have a Dream speech, delivered on August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, stands as a pinnacle moment in the history of the American civil rights movement. Standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., King addressed a crowd of over 250,000 people who had gathered to campaign for the end of racial discrimination and for economic justice. His speech not only appealed for the cessation of racism and segregation in America but also called for an end to poverty and for the country to live up to its founding ideals of freedom and equality.

King's eloquent oratory painted a vivid picture of a divided America, juxtaposing the harsh realities of racial injustice against his vision for a future where all people could share in the wealth of freedom and democracy. The most iconic segment of the speech, in which King repeatedly declares, I have a dream, resonated deeply with the audience, creating a shared aspiration for a nation unified, regardless of race. This dream envisaged a world where people would not be judged by the color of their skin but by their character, drawing on the American ideal that all men are created equal.

The impact of King's speech was immediate and profound, marking a significant turning point in the civil rights movement. It helped to galvanize public opinion and laid the groundwork for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. King's vision and rhetoric in the I Have a Dream speech have continued to inspire generations worldwide, serving as a beacon for the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. His words remain a powerful reminder of the potential for change when people come together to challenge injustice and fight for a common dream.

Famous People From Washington D.C.

John F. Kennedy (1917–1963) - The 35th President of the United States, whose term was cut short by his assassination in 1963.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy was born on May 29, 1917, in Brookline, Massachusetts, into a wealthy and politically prominent family. The second of nine children, Kennedy experienced a privileged but competitive upbringing, deeply influenced by the ambitious Kennedy clan. He attended private schools including Choate and later graduated from Harvard University in 1940, where he authored his first book, Why England Slept, discussing Britain's unpreparedness for World War II.

World War II Heroism (1941-1945)

With World War II in full swing, Kennedy joined the U.S. Navy in 1941. He commanded PT-109 in the Pacific Theater, where his ship was rammed and split in two by a Japanese destroyer in 1943. Displaying exceptional courage, Kennedy led the survivors to safety, an act of heroism that earned him the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. His wartime experiences significantly shaped his perspective on leadership and international relations.

Political Ascent (1946-1960)

Kennedy's political career began with his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1946, representing Massachusetts's 11th congressional district. He served three terms in the House and was then elected to the U.S. Senate in 1952. Kennedy married Jacqueline Bouvier in 1953, and their partnership became central to his public image. Battling health issues privately, he published ""Profiles in Courage"" in 1956, which won a Pulitzer Prize. In 1960, Kennedy secured the Democratic nomination for president and won a narrow victory over Richard Nixon, becoming the youngest elected president and the first Roman Catholic to hold the office.

Presidency and Policy (1961-1963)

Kennedy's presidency was marked by Cold War tensions, a commitment to New Frontier domestic policies, and strides in civil rights. He founded the Peace Corps, challenged Americans to support civil rights and to land a man on the moon, and navigated complex international crises, most notably the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, which brought the world to the brink of nuclear war.

The Space Race and Science Advancement (1961-1963)

Kennedy's vision for science and exploration was most evident in his support for the space race. His famous challenge to send an American safely to the moon before the decade's end galvanized the nation's commitment to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and solidified America’s leadership in space exploration.

Civil Rights Advocacy (1961-1963)

Kennedy initially approached civil rights with caution but grew into a more active advocate for racial equality over his presidency. He proposed comprehensive civil rights legislation (which would be passed posthumously) and gave his full backing to the integration of the University of Mississippi, underlining his commitment to equal rights.

Connection to Washington DC (1961-1963)

Kennedy’s short presidency left an indelible mark on Washington DC, not least through his advocacy for the arts and culture. He and Jacqueline Kennedy brought unprecedented glamour and public attention to the arts. The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, named in his honor, stands as a testament to their impactful connection to the cultural landscape of the nation's capital.

Assassination and Legacy (1963)

On November 22, 1963, Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, an event that shocked the world and marked a turning point in American history. His death spurred the enactment of civil rights legislation and left the nation in mourning for a presidency full of promise but cut tragically short. Kennedy's charisma, eloquent speeches, and visionary goals, particularly his efforts toward peace and equality, have left a lasting legacy.

Key Achievements:

• Authored Why England Slept and Pulitzer Prize-winning Profiles in Courage.

• Earned the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroism during World War II.

• Established the Peace Corps.

• Successfully navigated the Cuban Missile Crisis.

• Advocated for civil rights and proposed comprehensive civil rights legislation.

• Set a national goal of landing a man on the moon.

• Left a lasting legacy on the cultural fabric of Washington DC through the Kennedy Center.

John F. Kennedy remains one of the most influential figures in American history, embodying youthful energy, intellectual vigor, and a deep commitment to public service. His presidency, though brief, was marked by significant challenges and achievements, both domestically and on the world stage. The vision he had for his country, encapsulated in his call to ask not what the country can do for you, but what you can do for your country, continues to inspire generations long after his tragic death.

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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