Washington D.C. Newsletter (November 7th)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

Welcome to The Washington D.C. Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Capitals off to a hot start with Alex Ovechkin scoring, helping teammates.

  • Upcoming Washington Capitals match

  • A deep-dive into the life of Clarence Darrow

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

"It’s never too late to be what you might have been."

— George Eliot

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 library is the largest in the world by shelf space and number of books?

A) The Library of Congress

B) The Washington Public Library

C) The National Library of Medicine

D) The Smithsonian Libraries

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The bridge in Washington DC known for its iconic stone arches and connects the city to Arlington, Virginia is: C) The Arlington Memorial Bridge.

News

💼Business

Planning effort near Wheaton Metro could open up long-term redevelopment and infill opportunities. (Link)

Apple sets opening date for relocated Fairfax store. (Link)

🏒Sports

Capitals off to a hot start with Alex Ovechkin scoring, helping teammates. (Link)

Players still have to earn their PGA Tour card, even with big changes on the horizon. (Link)

🏦Finance

Novavax taps AstraZeneca, Pfizer alum to lead key manufacturing site. (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

🏒 Pittsburgh Penguins at Washington Capitals
Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Friday, Nov. 8th | (More info)

🏈 South Carolina State Bulldogs at Howard Bison Football
Stanton & Greene, Washington, DC
Saturday, Nov. 9th | (More info)

Concerts

🎶 Blitzen Trapper
Black Cat, Washington, DC
Saturday, Nov. 9th | (More info)

🎶 Maverick City Music
Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Sunday, Nov. 10th | (More info)

Family

🧘 Youth Yoga Saturday - Mindfulness for Kids
3433 33rd Place Northwest, Washington, DC
Saturday, Nov. 9th | (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 where every building is a work of abstract art” 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

Women's Suffrage Parade (1913) - Thousands march on Pennsylvania Avenue the day before Woodrow Wilson's inauguration.

On March 3, 1913, the day before the inauguration of President Woodrow Wilson, a momentous event unfolded on the streets of Washington D.C. that marked a pivotal point in the women's suffrage movement in the United States. The Women's Suffrage Parade, organized by the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) and spearheaded by suffragist Alice Paul, was a bold and strategic demonstration designed to advocate for the constitutional right of women to vote. Thousands of women from various backgrounds, along with supportive men, gathered and marched down Pennsylvania Avenue, in a spectacle aimed at drawing national attention to their cause.

The parade itself was a significant logistical and organizational achievement, featuring a procession that included banners, floats, and contingents representing different professions, states, and countries, alongside marching bands and mounted brigades. Participants dressed in white to symbolize purity, with sashes and banners in purple, white, and gold - the colors of the suffrage movement. However, the event was met with hostility from some spectators and passersby, leading to instances of verbal and physical harassment towards the marchers. The situation escalated to the point where police intervention was necessary to protect the women and ensure the procession could continue, highlighting the societal resistance faced by the movement.

Despite the challenges encountered during the parade, the event succeeded in its primary goal of garnering widespread attention for the women's suffrage movement. The courage and determination displayed by the marchers in the face of adversity resonated with the public and helped to galvanize support for their cause. The Women's Suffrage Parade of 1913 is remembered not only as a landmark event in the struggle for women's rights but also as a critical step towards the eventual ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which granted women the right to vote. It stands as a testament to the power of peaceful protest and the enduring spirit of those who fight for equality and justice.

Famous People From Washington D.C.

Clarence Darrow (1857–1938) - Famous American lawyer, a leading member of the American Civil Liberties Union, defended high-profile cases in D.C.

Clarence Darrow, a titan of the American legal system, dedicated his life to championing the underdog and advocating for civil liberties. His career spanned over five decades during which he tackled some of the most contentious and high-profile cases in American history, leaving an indelible mark on the legal landscape.

Early Life and Education (1857–1878)

Born in Kinsman, Ohio, to Amirus and Emily Darrow, Clarence was raised in a politically active and intellectually stimulating environment. His father, a staunch abolitionist, and his mother, a supporter of women’s suffrage, deeply influenced his progressive views. Darrow attended Allegheny College and the University of Michigan Law School, though he did not graduate from either. Instead, he was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1878 after studying law in a Youngstown law office.

The Making of a Lawyer and Advocate (1878–1894)

Darrow began his career in a small Ohio town, but his aspiration for greater challenges led him to move to Chicago in 1887. There, he joined the city's burgeoning labor movement, aligning himself with workers' struggles and socialism. By 1894, Darrow had made a name for himself as a tenacious labor attorney, representing the Chicago and North Western Railway workers and participating in the Pullman Strike.

The Leap to National Fame (1894–1911)

Darrow's defense of labor leader Eugene V. Debs in the aftermath of the Pullman Strike catapulted him to national prominence. Though unsuccessful in securing Debs' acquittal, Darrow's eloquence and dedication won him admiration and a string of high-profile cases across the country. During this period, he defended the rights of labor with an unwavering commitment to social justice.

Defending the Unpopular and Advocating for Civil Liberties (1911–1925)

Darrow's career was marked by his defense of unpopular causes. Notably, he took on the case of the McNamara brothers in 1911, accused of bombing the Los Angeles Times building. Despite the political and personal risks, Darrow fought tirelessly, though the case ended in a plea bargain. His commitment to civil liberties led him to become a founding member of the American Civil Liberties Union in 1920, advocating for freedom of speech and expression.

The Scopes Monkey Trial (1925)

Perhaps Darrow's most famous case, the Scopes Trial, saw him defending John T. Scopes, a Tennessee teacher accused of teaching evolution in violation of state law. The trial brought Darrow into a direct confrontation with William Jennings Bryan, representing the prosecution. Darrow's brilliant defense, although not victorious in court, won a moral victory for scientific freedom and made him an international figure.

Connection to Washington DC (Throughout Career)

Although Darrow is primarily known for his work outside Washington D.C., he has a significant connection to the capital through his involvement with the American Civil Liberties Union and his advocacy before the Supreme Court. His work in civil liberties often brought him to D.C., where he influenced national policy and opinion leaders on issues ranging from free speech to the rights of the accused.

Later Years and Legacy (1925–1938)

After the Scopes Trial, Darrow continued to take on challenging cases, including the defense of Leopold and Loeb, two wealthy Chicago teenagers accused of murder in 1924. In his later years, he devoted more time to writing and lecturing, sharing his philosophies on crime, punishment, and civil liberties. Darrow passed away in 1938, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential lawyers in American history.

Posthumous Recognition (1938 and Beyond)

Darrow's contributions have been recognized long after his death. Schools, awards, and scholarships bear his name, and his life has been the subject of numerous books, plays, and films. The Clarence Darrow Foundation continues his work, championing civil liberties and the rights of the underrepresented.

Key Achievements of Clarence Darrow:

  • Leading member of the American Civil Liberties Union, advocating for civil rights and liberties

  • Defended high-profile cases across the country, including the Scopes Trial and the defense of labor leaders like Eugene V. Debs.

  • Instrumental in advancing legal arguments for the defense in cases involving social and political issues.

  • Left a legacy as one of the most eloquent advocates for the marginalized and oppressed, influencing generations of lawyers and activists.

Clarence Darrow's life was a testament to the power of advocacy and the impact one individual can have on society. His fearless defense of unpopular causes, dedication to civil liberties, and eloquence in court established him as one of the most celebrated lawyers in American history. Darrow's legacy, marked by his commitment to justice and equality, continues to inspire and influence the legal profession and civil rights movements today.

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

-Yannick Lyons

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