Welcome to The Washington D.C. Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• A new AI Children's Book Maker

• Breakthrough AI Chrome Extension helping businesses

• Upcoming Washington Wizards match

• A deep-dive into the life of Alain Locke

• 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!

In Washington DC, which monument is known for its towering obelisk shape and honors an American president who was also a general in the Revolutionary War?

A) The Jefferson Memorial

B) The Washington Monument

C) The Lincoln Memorial

D) The Ulysses S. Grant Memorial

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution of higher learning in the United States, located in Washington DC, is C) Georgetown University.

News

💼Business

With this new AI Children's Book Maker, you can instantly generate children's books about ANYHING you choose, and illustrate them with beautiful pictures and charming characters in minutes. (link)

This breakthrough AI-Powered Chrome Extension helps businesses explode their reach on social media and generate more business online. (link)

Taffer's Tavern closed D.C. location due to security concerns. (Link)

D.C.'s NaviMed, a health care-focused PE firm, closes largest-ever fund. (Link)

🏒Sports

Jaylen Brown scores 31 points to help Celtics outlast Wizards 108-96 for key NBA Cup victory. (Link)

Mike Tyson, Jake Paul suspended from boxing following fight. (Link)

🏦Finance

D.C. ‘fund of funds' raises $200M for crypto, blockchain investments. (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

🏀 USA Men's Basketball vs Bahamas
Entertainment & Sports Arena, Washington, DC
Monday, Nov. 25th | (More info)

🏀 LA Clippers at Washington Wizards
Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Wednesday, Nov. 27th | (More info)

Concerts

🎶 Marc Rebillet
9:30 Club, Washington, DC
Monday, Nov. 25th | (More info)

🎸 Dance With The Dead
Union Stage, Washington, DC
Tuesday, Nov. 26th | (More info)

Family

🔍 Scavenger Hunt Washington
425 L St NW, Washington, DC
Monday, Nov. 25th | (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 “Futuristic sports arena in Washington DC hosting a new, invented sport” 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

Assassination of John F. Kennedy (1963) - JFK's assassination profoundly impacts the nation and its capital.

The assassination of John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, marked a pivotal moment in American history, reverberating far beyond the borders of the Lone Star State to profoundly affect the nation and its capital, Washington D.C. This calamitous event sent shockwaves across the country and the world, as the charismatic and youthful leader, known for his eloquence and vision for a new frontier, was abruptly and violently removed from the stage of history. The grim news rapidly reached Washington D.C., plunging the city into a deep state of mourning and uncertainty. Government officials, foreign dignitaries, and ordinary citizens alike struggled to come to terms with the tragedy, as the nation grappled with the implications of such a loss.

In the immediate aftermath, Washington D.C. became the focal point of the nation's grief. The city, adorned with symbols of the American spirit and governance, transformed into a somber gathering place for mourners. The Capitol Rotunda hosted the president's flag-draped casket, drawing hundreds of thousands of people from across the country and around the world who waited in long lines to pay their respects. This outpouring of grief was a testament to Kennedy's impact on the nation and its capital, reflecting the deep sense of loss felt by many. Meanwhile, the state funeral, a meticulously choreographed event attended by leaders and dignitaries from around the globe, underscored the city's and the nation's homage to the fallen president.

The assassination of JFK also heralded a period of introspection and transformation for Washington D.C. and the broader United States, triggering a shift in the political landscape and altering the course of the nation's domestic and foreign policies. The subsequent ascension of Lyndon B. Johnson to the presidency ushered in significant legislative changes, including civil rights advances and the escalation of the Vietnam War, both of which had lasting impacts on the fabric of American society. Kennedy's death became a watershed moment, indelibly etching the memory of the fallen president into the collective consciousness of the nation, and casting a long shadow over Washington D.C. that lingered for decades to come.

Famous People From Washington D.C.

Alain Locke (1885–1954) - Writer, philosopher, educator, and Father of the Harlem Renaissance, born and raised in Philadelphia but made significant contributions while living in D.C.

Alain Locke, widely acclaimed as the Father of the Harlem Renaissance, was a distinguished writer, philosopher, and educator whose ideas and leadership left an indelible mark on American culture. Born in Philadelphia but with significant contributions made in Washington D.C., Locke's journey from a prodigious child in Philadelphia to a central figure in one of the most influential cultural movements of the 20th century is a story of intellect, determination, and cultural advocacy.

Early Life and Education (1885-1907)

Born on September 13, 1885, in Philadelphia to Pliny Ishmael Locke and Mary Hawkins Locke, Alain Leroy Locke showed early signs of brilliance. He was nurtured in an environment that emphasized education and moral development. Locke graduated from Central High School in Philadelphia as the class valedictorian, and went on to attend Harvard College, where he further distinguished himself academically, culminating in being awarded a Rhodes Scholarship—the first African-American to be so honored.

Rhodes Scholar and Philosophical Foundations (1907-1910)

Locke's time at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar was transformative, exposing him to new cultural and intellectual currents. Despite facing racial prejudice, he engaged deeply with the philosophical works that would underpin his later contributions to literature and civil rights. Returning to the United States, Locke pursued his doctorate in philosophy at Harvard University, laying the groundwork for his future role as a cultural critic and advocate.

Harlem Renaissance Leadership (1910-1920s)

Alain Locke is best recognized for his role in nurturing and promoting the Harlem Renaissance, a revolutionary period of African-American cultural expression during the 1920s. As a professor at Howard University in Washington D.C., Locke became a mentor to many young African-American artists and writers, encouraging them to explore their heritage and cultural identity. His anthology The New Negro, published in 1925, was a seminal work that encapsulated the ethos of the Harlem Renaissance, advocating for a renewed racial pride and cultural autonomy.

Philosophical Contributions and Racial Uplift (1920s-1930s)

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Locke's intellectual output was prolific. He applied the pragmatism of philosophers such as William James to issues of race and culture, arguing for the importance of cultural pluralism and the value of aesthetic experience in uplifting oppressed peoples. Locke's philosophy extended beyond the abstract, advocating for tangible improvements in education and social conditions for African-Americans.

Global Vision and Cultural Exchange (1930s-1940s)

Locke's vision was not just national but global. He emphasized the interconnectedness of the African diaspora and championed cultural exchange between peoples of African descent globally. His travels and studies abroad, including in Europe and Africa, informed his belief in the power of cultural diplomacy and internationalism.

Connection to Washington DC

Locke's connection to Washington D.C. was deep and multifaceted. As a longtime professor at Howard University, he influenced generations of students, encouraging them to engage with the pressing social and cultural issues of the day. His home in the city became a salon for intellectual and cultural figures of the Harlem Renaissance and beyond, making D.C. a significant hub in the broader network of African-American cultural production.

Later Years and Legacy (1940s-1954)

In his later years, Locke continued to write, lecture, and advocate for the causes he believed in. He saw the beginnings of the Civil Rights Movement and continued to emphasize the role of culture in achieving racial equality. Upon his death in 1954, Locke left behind a legacy as a trailblazer for African-American intellectual and cultural life.

Key Achievements of Alain Locke:

• First African-American Rhodes Scholar.

• Pioneering philosopher of the Harlem Renaissance and editor of its chief text, The New Negro.

• Advocated for the recognition and appreciation of African-American culture and art.

• Influential professor and mentor to generations of African-American students at Howard University.

• Contributed significantly to the discourse on cultural pluralism, racial identity, and internationalism.

Alain Locke's journey from Philadelphia to Washington D.C. and beyond marks him as one of the most influential African-American intellectuals of the 20th century. As the Father of the Harlem Renaissance, his vision for cultural resurgence and racial pride reshaped American culture. Through his writings, advocacy, and mentorship, Locke both celebrated African-American heritage and laid the groundwork for future civil rights advancements. His legacy endures in the countless artists, writers, and thinkers he inspired, and in the broader cultural landscape his work helped to transform.

Connect With Me

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

-Yannick Lyons

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