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Welcome to The Washington D.C. Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Rockville car care startup aims to broaden menu of services under new CEO.

• Upcoming Los Eclipses concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Paul Laurence Dunbar

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Don’t trust any one story of how to become successful.”

— Mindy Kaling

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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!

What is the name of the historic document that is on display in the National Archives Museum in Washington DC, establishing the framework of the United States government?

A) The Declaration of Independence

B) The Constitution of the United States

C) The Bill of Rights

D) The Federalist Papers

Answer to Week 20's Trivia:

The museum in Washington DC dedicated to espionage and the art of intelligence gathering is B) The Washington Monument.

News

💼 Business

Rockville car care startup aims to broaden menu of services under new CEO. (Link)

D.C. earns unexpected distinction in new report on Michelin restaurants. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Potential first-round NBA draft pick Terrence Shannon Jr. found not guilty of rape. (Link)

New Commanders stadium in District would bring $1.26 billion to D.C. each year, mayor’s office says. (Link)

🏦 Finance

New NFL stadium impact on D.C? More than 2,000 jobs and $1.3B in annual revenue, according to report. (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

⚾ Arizona Diamondbacks at Washington Nationals
Nationals Park, Washington, DC
Tuesday, June 18th - Thursday, June 20th | (More info)

🏀 Dallas Wings at Washington Mystics
Entertainment & Sports Arena, Washington, DC
Saturday, June 22nd | (More info)

Concerts

🎸 Los Eclipses
DC9 Nightclub, Washington, DC
Tuesday, June 18th | (More info)

🎤 El Caribefunk
Bossa e Bistro + Lounge, Washington, DC
Wednesday, June 19th | (More info)

Family-Friendly Events

🍖 32nd Annual Giant BBQ Battle
555 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC
Saturday, June 22nd | (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 illuminated entirely by bioluminescent plants and structures.” 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

Watergate Scandal (1972) - The break-in and subsequent scandal lead to President Nixon's resignation.

The Watergate Scandal, a profound political scandal in the United States, began with a break-in on June 17, 1972, and eventually led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. The incident unfolded at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, located in the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C. The break-in was orchestrated by five men connected to Nixon's reelection campaign, aiming to wiretap phones and steal documents. This event, initially appearing to be a minor break-in, escalated as investigative reporting, notably by The Washington Post's Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, uncovered a larger scheme of political espionage and sabotage on behalf of Nixon's campaign committee.

As the investigation progressed, it was revealed that the Nixon administration had engaged in a widespread cover-up to conceal its involvement in the Watergate break-in and other illicit activities designed to undermine political opponents. The scandal exposed various abuses of power by members of the Nixon administration, including bribery, perjury, and the use of government agencies to obstruct justice. The pivotal moment came with the revelation of the existence of a tape-recording system in the Oval Office, leading to the Supreme Court ruling that Nixon must release the tapes to government investigators. The tapes provided undeniable evidence of Nixon's complicity in the Watergate cover-up, putting immense pressure on him.

Faced with almost certain impeachment and removal from office, President Richard Nixon chose to resign on August 8, 1974, making him the first and only U.S. president to do so. His resignation marked the climax of the Watergate scandal, showcasing the profound impact of investigative journalism and leading to a crisis of confidence in political leadership. The aftermath of Watergate had a lasting influence on American politics, including the introduction of campaign finance reforms and new laws aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in government. Nixon's Vice President, Gerald Ford, who assumed the presidency, later pardoned Nixon for any crimes he might have committed while in office, a controversial act that closed one chapter of American history while prompting ongoing debate about political integrity and the rule of law.

Famous People From Washington D.C.

Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872–1906) - Influential African American poet, novelist, and playwright, had ties to D.C. through his work and marriage.

Paul Laurence Dunbar: 1872–1906

Paul Laurence Dunbar was an iconic African American poet, novelist, and playwright whose literary talents transcended the racial barriers of his time. His works, rich with the complexities of Black life in America post-Civil War, continue to resonate today.

Early Life and the Power of Words (1872-1889)

Born in Dayton, Ohio, to former slaves, Paul Laurence Dunbar was imbued with the stories and struggles of his parents, shaping his perspective and literary works. Despite the racial prejudices of the era, Dunbar excelled academically, developing a passion for writing and poetry early on. His mother’s storytelling and his father’s experiences in the Civil War underscored the power of words, a lesson Dunbar took to heart.

Discovery and Literary Beginnings (1890-1895)

As a young man, Dunbar’s talent began to shine through his contributions to his high school's newspaper and literary society. His first published work, "Ode to Ethiopia," laid the groundwork for his exploration of African American identity through poetry. Despite financial struggles preventing him from attending college, Dunbar continued to write, gaining the attention of influential figures such as the Wright brothers, who helped publish his early collections.

Rising Star in American Literature (1896-1900)

Dunbar’s reputation as a poet and writer grew with the publication of "Majors and Minors," a collection that showcased his dual literary voice: one that adhered to the standard English poetic forms and another that captured the dialect and experiences of African Americans. His ability to navigate these two worlds brought him national acclaim and the admiration of literary giants like William Dean Howells.

A Voice for the Voiceless (1901-1903)

Dunbar’s work increasingly reflected the African American experience, presenting both the pain and the resilience of Black life in America. His novels, plays, and poetry captured the complexities of identity, struggle, and hope. Through his writing, Dunbar became a voice for those who were often silenced or marginalized in American society.

The Connection to Washington D.C. (1903-1906)

Dunbar moved to Washington D.C., where he furthered his career and solidified his place in literary and social circles. His marriage to Alice Ruth Moore, a noted author and teacher, was a union of two intellectual giants and further connected Dunbar to the cultural and political fabric of the city. During his time in D.C., Dunbar’s health began to decline, but his contributions to the Harlem Renaissance and African American culture were already cementing his legacy.

Legacy in American Literature (Post-1906)

After his death in 1906, Dunbar’s influence continued to grow, inspiring a generation of African American writers and artists during the Harlem Renaissance and beyond. His works are celebrated for their significant contributions to American literature, showcasing the depth and richness of African American life.

Themes in Dunbar’s Works (Throughout Career)

Dunbar’s writings covered a range of themes, from race and identity to love and loss, reflecting the multifaceted experiences of African Americans. His memoir of life in Washington D.C. and his varied body of work have provided scholars and readers alike with valuable insights into the turn-of-the-century Black experience.

Challenges and Obstacles (Throughout Life)

Despite his success, Dunbar faced significant challenges, including battling racism and navigating the expectations placed on African American writers. His health, deeply affected by tuberculosis, also posed ongoing obstacles, ultimately leading to his early death.

Remembering Paul Laurence Dunbar (1906 and Beyond)

Paul Laurence Dunbar’s death marked the loss of a monumental figure in African American and American literature. His pioneering use of dialect and his poetic voice have left an indelible mark on the literary world, making him a source of inspiration for generations to come.

A Lasting Influence on American Culture (Post-1906)

Dunbar’s influence extends beyond literature, touching on the cultural and social spheres of American life. His work has been cited by notable figures in the Civil Rights Movement and continues to be studied for its artistic and historical significance.

Key Achievements:

• Celebrated as one of the first African American writers to gain national recognition.

• Published numerous collections of poetry, novels, short stories, and plays.

• Worked closely with notable figures of his time, including the Wright brothers and William Dean Howells.

• Played a pivotal role in the cultural milieu of Washington D.C. through his work and marriage.

• Left a lasting legacy that inspired the Harlem Renaissance and subsequent generations of African American writers.

Paul Laurence Dunbar’s life and work offer a compelling portrait of an artist who navigated the complexities of race, identity, and societal expectations to create enduring literature. Born to former slaves, Dunbar utilized his exceptional talent to become a leading voice in American literature, exploring themes that connected deeply with the African American experience. Despite his early death and the challenges he faced, Dunbar’s literary contributions have continued to inspire and resonate, making him an unforgettable figure in the tapestry of American culture.

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-Matthew Larsen

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