Welcome to The Washington D.C. Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Bad Bunny performance

• Upcoming Washington Capitals home game

• A deep-dive into the life of Charles Drew

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"For there is nothing either good or bad, thinking makes it so."

- William Shakespeare

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 Last Week’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

Sinclair Names Matthew Galka National Correspondent, Washington DC Bureau. (link)

Andrew Wheeler, who led the Environmental Protection Agency during the Trump administration, is joining Holland & Hart in Washington as the Denver-founded firm eyes growth in the nation’s capital. (link)

James Fredricks has joined Skadden as a partner with the antitrust and competition group in Washington, D.C., the firm said. (link)

🏒 Sports

The DC Council votes on funding for renovations at the Capital One Arena. (link)

Monumental Sports Network to Debut Alternate Broadcast for Capitals and Wizards Games. (link)

Mayor Muriel Bowser discusses the $515 million deal with Washington Wizards and Capitals owner Ted Leonsis to keep both teams in Washington D.C. until at least 2050. (link)

🏦 Finance

Another Washington DC office building has just been sold at a massive 75 per cent discount, a real estate entrepreneur said on Sunday. (link)

Report shows under 50% of DC-area office workers on-site compared to pre-pandemic levels. (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

🏀 Washington Wizards vs. Chicago Bulls
Capital One Arena Washington, DC
Friday April 12 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🏀 Hoop Culture Capital Classic High School Basketball All-Star Games
Entertainment & Sports Arena Washington, DC
Saturday April 13 | 12:15 PM | (more info)

🏒 Washington Capitals vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Capital One Arena Washington, DC
Saturday April 13 | 5:30 PM | (more info)

⚽ D.C. United vs. Orlando City SC
Audi Field Washington, DC
Saturday April 13 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

Concerts

🎤 Bad Bunny - Most Wanted Tour
Capital One Arena Washington, DC
Tuesday April 09 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🪕 Steve'n'Seagulls
Pearl Street Warehouse
Wednesday April 10 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎶 Coco
The Atlantis Washington, DC
Friday April 12 | 6:30 PM | (more info)

🎵 Zingara
9:30 CLUB Washington, DC
Friday April 12 | 10:00 PM | (more info)

Family-Friendly Events

🎨 April's Paint Party at sweetFrog Laurel
sweetFrog Laurel
Sunday, April 14 · 4:30 - 6:30pm 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 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 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)

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:

• 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.

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.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

Poll