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Welcome to The Washington D.C. Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Wizards sign Corey Kispert to 4-year, $54 million extension.

• Upcoming Washington Capitals match

• A deep-dive into the life of Charles Drew

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm."

— Winston Churchill

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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 large park in Washington DC is a popular location for picnics, sports, and concerts, and is home to the National Zoo?

A) Rock Creek Park

B) Meridian Hill Park

C) East Potomac Park

D) Anacostia Park

Answer to Week 9's Trivia:

In Washington DC, the building that serves as the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States is: C) The White House.

News

💼Business

D.C. personal injury firm Lawfty secures $40M to expand data-driven legal services. (Link)

Sandlot to open its first pop-up in Northeast D.C.. (Link)

🏒Sports

Lamar Jackson throws for 281 yards, 5 TDs to lead streaking Ravens to 41-31 victory over Buccaneers. (Link)

Wizards sign Corey Kispert to 4-year, $54 million extension. (Link)

🏦Finance

Atlantic Union buying Sandy Spring Bank for $1.6B. (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

🏒 New York Rangers at Washington Capitals
Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Tuesday, Oct. 29th | (More info)

🏒 Montreal Canadiens at Washington Capitals
Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Thursday, Oct. 31st | (More info)

Concerts

🎤 Lauren Sanderson
Union Stage, Washington, DC
Monday, Oct. 28th | (More info)

🎶 Cursive
Union Stage, Washington, DC
Tuesday, Oct. 29th | (More info)

Family

🎤 Kids Open-Mic Night!
3222 11th Street Northwest, Washington, DC
Monday, Oct. 28th | (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 architecture inspired by different planets” 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

Opening of the Library of Congress (1897) - The largest library in the world opens to the public.

The Library of Congress, an emblem of knowledge and heritage, officially opened its doors to the public in 1897, marking a milestone in the pursuit of intellectual growth and cultural preservation in the United States. Nestled in the heart of Washington D.C., this grand institution was established with the mission to serve the American legislature, yet it ambitiously grew to become the largest library in the world. Its opening signified not just the availability of an immense repository of books and scholarly resources, but also symbolized the democratization of knowledge, making an unprecedented range of information accessible to the public.

The building itself, known as the Jefferson Building, is a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts architecture, designed to reflect the grandeur and importance of its purpose. Upon its opening, it was celebrated for its ornate decoration, magnificent reading rooms, and the cutting-edge technology of the time that facilitated the management and retrieval of information. The library's extensive collection, which was already significant at the time of its inauguration, has continued to grow exponentially, now encompassing millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps, and manuscripts in over 470 languages, embodying the cultural and intellectual history of humanity.

The opening of the Library of Congress in 1897 created a pivotal institution for research, learning, and creativity, serving not only lawmakers and government officials but scholars, artists, and the general public worldwide. Its founding was a testament to the United States' commitment to knowledge and education, and over the years, the Library of Congress has continued to uphold this ethos, embracing digital innovations to make its treasures accessible globally. This historic opening laid the groundwork for an institution that has transcended its national mandate, becoming an invaluable resource and symbol of the pursuit of knowledge and cultural preservation on a global scale.

Famous People From Washington D.C.

Charles Drew (1904–1950) - Surgeon and medical researcher who developed improved techniques for blood storage and established large-scale blood banks early in World War II.

Early Life and Education (1904-1926)

Born in Washington, D.C., to a middle-class African American family, Charles Drew excelled academically and athletically from a young age despite the racial barriers of his time. He attended Amherst College in Massachusetts on an athletic scholarship, where his interest in medicine first emerged. After graduating, Drew worked as a biology instructor and a coach for Morgan College, now Morgan State University, in Baltimore, Maryland, to save money for medical school.

Medical Training and Early Career (1926-1938)

Drew's determination led him to McGill University Faculty of Medicine in Montreal, Canada, one of the few institutions accepting African American students then. He graduated second in his class in 1933, receiving both Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery degrees. After completing his internship and residency at the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Montreal General Hospital, Drew returned to the United States to serve as an instructor at Howard University's medical school.

Breakthrough in Blood Preservation (1938-1940)

While pursuing his doctorate at Columbia University, Drew researched blood preservation under the guidance of John Scudder. Drew developed a method of processing and preserving blood plasma, allowing it to be stored or banked for longer periods. His groundbreaking work, leading to his Doctor of Science in Medicine degree in 1940, laid the foundation for future advancements in blood transfusion and storage.

Establishing Blood Banks (1940-1941)

As World War II raged, Drew was appointed the medical director of the Blood for Britain project, an initiative to aid British soldiers by collecting, processing, and transporting plasma from the United States. Under Drew's leadership, the project saved thousands of lives and established the effectiveness of blood banks in a military context.

Director of the American Red Cross Blood Bank (1941-1942)

Following the success of Blood for Britain, Drew was named the first director of the American Red Cross Blood Bank. He oversaw the nation's first large-scale blood bank operation and implemented protocols for the collection and processing of blood products. Drew's policies and innovations significantly impacted the U.S. military's ability to treat casualties during World War II.

Struggle Against Segregation in Blood Donation (1942)

Despite his achievements, Drew faced institutional racism. The U.S. military initially insisted on segregating blood supplies based on the race of donors. Drew vigorously opposed these policies, arguing that there was no scientific basis for them and that they were detrimental to the morale and well-being of soldiers. Although the military later dropped the segregation policy, Drew resigned from the American Red Cross in protest.

Return to Howard University (1943-1950)

After leaving the American Red Cross, Drew returned to Howard University as a professor and the chief surgeon at Freedmen's Hospital, now Howard University Hospital. He dedicated himself to teaching the next generation of African American doctors and surgeons, emphasizing the importance of research and innovation in medicine. Drew also continued his own research in blood preservation and transfusion.

Advocate for Equal Medical Education (1940s)

Throughout the 1940s, Drew emerged as a leading advocate for the improvement of medical education and health care access for African Americans. He argued against the widespread inequalities in the medical field and worked tirelessly to open up more opportunities for African American students and professionals.

Tragic Death and Legacy (1950)

Charles Drew's life was cut short in 1950 at the age of 45 when he died from injuries sustained in a car accident in North Carolina. His death was mourned nationwide, and he was posthumously awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP for his contributions to medicine.

Connection to Washington D.C. (1904-1950)

Drew's connection to Washington D.C. was a constant throughout his life. Born and raised in the city, he returned after his studies and early career to contribute significantly to its community. His work at Howard University and Freedmen's Hospital benefited not only the African American community in D.C. but also the medical field worldwide.

Key Achievements of Charles Drew:

• Developed a method for processing and preserving blood plasma, revolutionizing blood transfusion techniques.

• Established and directed the Blood for Britain project, assisting in saving thousands of British soldiers during World War II.

• Served as the first director of the American Red Cross Blood Bank, implementing the first large-scale blood banking operation in the United States.

• Advocated against racial discrimination in blood donation practices.

• Contributed significantly to medical education as a professor and chief surgeon at Howard University and Freedmen's Hospital.

Charles Drew's pioneering work in blood preservation and transfusion has saved countless lives, both during his lifetime and beyond. His refusal to accept racial discrimination within the medical community highlighted his commitment not only to advancing medicine but also to equality and justice. Drew's legacy lives on through the many lives he touched as a surgeon, educator, and relentless advocate for equal rights in healthcare."

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

-Matthew Larsen

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