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Welcome to The Washington D.C. Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• ICSC makes big change to mid-Atlantic retail showcase.

• Upcoming Lil Mabu Concert

• A deep-dive into the life of James Weldon Johnson

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” 

— Arthur Ashe

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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!

In Washington DC, which garden is part of the National Mall and features a variety of plant species, including a significant collection of bonsai trees?

A) The United States Botanic Garden

B) The National Arboretum

C) The Enid A. Haupt Garden

D) The Smithsonian Gardens

Answer to Week 37's Trivia:

The historic Washington DC theater, opened in 1910, known for its vaudeville roots and as a venue for live entertainment including music and comedy shows, is C) The Howard Theatre

News

💼Business

Virginia bank to restate earnings after uncovering accounting errors. (Link)

12-story residential tower to replace Walgreens along Arlington growth corridor. (Link)

🏒Sports

Yankees’ Aaron Judge becomes fastest to 300 homers, reaching in 955 games to Ralph Kiner’s 1,087. (Link)

Falcons acquire four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Judon from Patriots. (Link)

🏦Finance

ICSC makes big change to mid-Atlantic retail showcase. (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

⚾ Colorado Rockies at Washington Nationals
Nationals Park, Washington, DC
Tue, Aug 20th - Thu, Aug 22nd | (More info)

🏀 Los Angeles Sparks at Washington Mystics
Entertainment & Sports Arena, Washington, DC
Friday, Aug 23rd | (More info)

Concerts

🎵 Lil Mabu
Union Stage, Washington, DC
Monday, Aug 19th | (More info)

🎵 Usher
Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Wednesday, Aug 21st | (More info)

Family-Friendly Events

🎨 IN-GALLERY | Portrait Gallery Kids
800 G Street Northwest, Washington, DC
Monday, Aug 26th | (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 a transportation system based on personal drones”. 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

Establishment of the Smithsonian Institution (1846) - An act of Congress establishes the institution.

The establishment of the Smithsonian Institution in 1846 marked a pivotal moment in the cultural and scientific advancement of the United States. This illustrious institution was born out of a bequest from James Smithson, a British scientist who, despite never having visited the United States, envisioned a haven for the increase and diffusion of knowledge. Smithson's gift, comprised of over half a million dollars, was a substantial fortune for the time, intended to foster an establishment for learning and research. After much debate regarding the best use of this unexpected benefaction, the U.S. Congress passed an act on August 10, 1846, establishing the Smithsonian Institution as a trust instrumentality of the United States, dedicated to the promotion of knowledge.

The Smithsonian Institution was designed to serve both as a research center and as a public museum, a concept that shaped its foundational structure. Its establishment was seen as an expression of the democratic ethos, aiming to make knowledge accessible to all. The institution's founding came at a time when the United States was rapidly expanding both territorially and intellectually, and it provided an invaluable resource for the burgeoning nation's intellectual growth. The Smithsonian's creation underscored the importance of education, science, and culture in American society, factors that were becoming increasingly recognized as vital to the nation's development and international stature.

Over the years, the Smithsonian Institution has evolved into the largest museum, education, and research complex in the world, comprising 19 museums, the National Zoo, and several research facilities. From its inception with the establishment of the original Smithsonian building, known as the ""Castle,"" it has expanded vastly, continuing to embody its founding mission. The Smithsonian plays an integral role in global education and research, with collections numbering in the millions of artifacts and specimens. The establishment of the Smithsonian Institution in 1846 was not just the creation of a museum or research institution; it was the manifestation of a vision for knowledge and enlightenment for the benefit of all, a principle that continues to guide it to this day.

Famous People From Washington D.C.

James Weldon Johnson (1871–1938) - Author, educator, lawyer, diplomat, and civil rights activist, served as NAACP's first black executive secretary.

James Weldon Johnson led a multifaceted life as an author, educator, lawyer, diplomat, and civil rights activist, making significant contributions to American society and the African American community. His journey from the son of a free-born Virginian and a Bahamian immigrant to becoming the NAACP's first black executive secretary showcases a lifetime dedicated to equality, creativity, and advocacy.

Early Life and Education (1871-1893)

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, James Weldon Johnson was raised in an environment that fostered his educational and artistic growth. Encouraged by his mother, a musician, Johnson showed an early aptitude for literature and music. He went on to attend Atlanta University, a historically black college, where he excelled academically and began to write poetry.

Renaissance Man Begins His Career (1894-1901)

After graduating, Johnson returned to Jacksonville and became the principal of Stanton School, where he significantly expanded the institution to offer high school-level courses, a rarity for African American students at the time. During this period, he also began to practice law after becoming the first African American to pass the bar in Florida.

Literary and Musical Achievements (1902-1913)

In the early 20th century, Johnson moved to New York City, where he joined the Harlem Renaissance's burgeoning cultural movement. Collaborating with his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson, he wrote more than 200 songs for Broadway productions. Among their most enduring works is Lift Every Voice and Sing," which later became known as the Negro National Anthem.

Diplomacy and Advocacy Abroad (1914-1920)

Johnson's career took an international turn when he served as U.S. consul in Venezuela and Nicaragua under President Theodore Roosevelt and President William Howard Taft. His experiences abroad deepened his understanding of racial dynamics and colonialism, themes he would explore in later works.

Joining the NAACP (1920-1930)

After his diplomatic service, Johnson was recruited by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) as an organizer and eventually served as its first black executive secretary. In this role, he led the organization through a period of significant growth and spearheaded campaigns against lynching and racial violence.

Literature and Scholarship (1930-1938)

In the final years of his life, Johnson focused on his literary career, publishing several works of fiction, poetry, and history that explored the African American experience. His book The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man (published anonymously in 1912 and reissued under his name in 1927) garnered critical acclaim and remains a seminal work in American literature.

His Connection to Washington D.C. (Throughout Career)

Johnson's advocacy and literary achievements were deeply connected to Washington D.C., the heart of American politics and a significant site for the civil rights movement. He often collaborated with political leaders to push for anti-lynching legislation and civil rights reforms, marking him as a prominent figure in the capital's African American history and its broader cultural and political narrative.

Civil Rights Leadership (1916-1930)

Under Johnson's leadership, the NAACP grew from 9,000 to almost 90,000 members and became more actively involved in national civil rights legislation. His strategic approach to advocacy and organizing set the stage for the civil rights movement's future victories.

Legacy and Posthumous Recognition (1938-Present)

Johnson's death in a car accident in 1938 marked the end of a life dedicated to breaking barriers and advocating for equality. Posthumously, his work continues to inspire, and he has been recognized as a key figure in American literature and the civil rights movement, with numerous schools, awards, and honors named in his memory.

Reflections on a Life of Impact (1871–1938)

Johnson's journey from the Jim Crow South to the heights of American diplomacy and literature illustrates his remarkable versatility and commitment to social justice. His work across various domains education, literature, law, and civil rights left an indelible mark on American society.

Key Achievements of James Weldon Johnson:

• Authored influential poems, novels, and anthems, including Lift Every Voice and Sing.

• First African American to pass the bar in Florida and to serve as executive secretary of the NAACP.

• Served as U.S. consul in Venezuela and Nicaragua, bringing international experience to his civil rights advocacy.

• Played a pivotal role in the Harlem Renaissance, contributing to the movement's literary and musical dimensions.

• Advocated for anti-lynching legislation and worked tirelessly for the advancement of civil rights in the United States.

James Weldon Johnson’s life and work bridged the worlds of arts, politics, and civil rights advocacy, leaving a legacy that transcends any single field. His literary output continues to be studied and celebrated for its contributions to American and African American literature, while his efforts in civil rights laid groundwork for the movements that followed. Johnson’s life exemplifies a dedication to equality and creativity, affirming his place as a pivotal figure in American history.

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-Matthew Larsen

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