Welcome to The Washington D.C. Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Red Bull Show run Hits Washington DC Streets.

• Upcoming Play Unstoppable Festival

• A deep-dive into the life of John Philip Sousa

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.”

―Vernon Sanders Law

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 Week 12'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

DC Mayor donates 160 Chromebooks to small businesses. (link)

Sheppard Mullin Welcomes IP Partner Alex Chung in Washington D.C. (link)

Mango Further Expands U.S. Retail Presence with Grand Openings in Washington DC. (link)

D.C. looks to enable more pop-up stores to activate downtown. (link)

🏒 Sports

Fans confused and frustrated after tickets to see Caitlin Clark play in DC are canceled. (link)

Shohei Ohtani hits 450-foot homer into second deck in Dodgers' 4-1 win over Nationals. (link)

Red Bull Showrun invades streets of Washington DC. (link)

Commanders release Shaka Toney after he was reinstated following a gambling suspension. (link)

🏦 Finance

Fraternity partners with Wells Fargo to bring to financial literacy classes to DC schools. (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

🏒First Round: Rangers at Capitals Rd 1 Hm Gm 3
Capital One Arena Washington, DC
Friday May 03 | (more info)

⚾Washington Nationals vs. Toronto Blue Jays
Nationals Park Washington, DC
Friday May 3 | 6:45 PM | (more info)

⚽D.C. United vs. Philadelphia Union
Audi Field Washington, DC
Saturday May 4 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

Concerts

🎵41
Union Stage Washington, DC
Tuesday April 30 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎸Slothrust
The Atlantis - Washington, DC
Wednesday May 1 | 6:30PM | (more info)

🎤Pera: The PERAs Tour
Lincoln Theatre Washington, DC
Friday May 3 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎭Macbeth
Shakespeare Theatre Company Washington, DC
Saturday May 4 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family-Friendly Events

🎡Play Unstoppable Festival
LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C.
May 03, | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | (more info)

🍣Custom Sushi Rolls for the Team - Team Building Activity by Classpop!™
Washington DC Traveling Host
Friday, May 3 · 4 - 6pm EDT | (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.

In 1913, on the eve of Woodrow Wilson's presidential inauguration, a significant and historic event unfolded on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. The Women's Suffrage Parade, organized by suffragist leader Alice Paul for the National American Woman Suffrage Association, marked a pivotal moment in the women's suffrage movement. On March 3rd, thousands of women from various backgrounds and professions gathered, donning sashes and carrying banners that boldly demanded the right to vote. The parade was designed not only to advocate for women's suffrage but also to assert women's broader roles in society.

The procession was a grand spectacle, featuring floats, bands, and a contingent of women riding on horseback, all marching towards the U.S. Capitol. The parade commenced at the Peace Monument and progressed along Pennsylvania Avenue. However, the event was marred by large, hostile crowds that obstructed the marchers, leading to police intervention. Despite these challenges, the women persisted, their resolve undeterred by the obstacles they faced. The incident drew significant media attention and public sympathy, highlighting the urgent need for gender equality in the political sphere.

This 1913 suffrage parade not only represented a courageous stand against entrenched societal norms but also catalyzed further national actions towards women's suffrage. The dramatic scenes from the parade underscored the determination of the women involved and helped to swell the ranks of suffrage supporters across the country. Less than a decade later, their efforts bore fruit with the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting women the right to vote. This event remains a testament to the power of peaceful protest and the relentless pursuit of justice and equality.

Famous People From Washington D.C.

Clarence Darrow: 1857–1938

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 :

• 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.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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