Welcome to The Washington D.C. Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Dante Fowler Jr. signs with the Commanders

• AI art of the week

• A deep-dive into the life of Benjamin Banneker

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Courage is never to let your actions be influenced by your fears.”

— Arthur Koestler

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 memorial in Washington DC features a statue of three soldiers and is dedicated to veterans of the Vietnam War?

A) The World War II Memorial

B) The Korean War Veterans Memorial

C) The Vietnam Veterans Memorial

D) The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia: The name of the famous cherry blossom festival that celebrates the gift of Japanese cherry trees to the city of Washington DC is-

A) The National Cherry Blossom Festival.

News

💼 Business

Boeing's Washington workforce nears pre-pandemic benchmark. (link)

DC among top ranked in nation for cities seeing surge in women business owners. (link)

The Washington, DC Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) has granted official approval for FanDuel to commence operations in the district. This change will be overseen through a new sports wagering subcontract established with Intralot. (link)

🏒 Sports

Dante Fowler Jr., previously with the Cowboys, has signed with the NFC East rival Commanders. The move was highlighted in the NFL Free Agency Tracker. (link)

Ex-Jaguars Kicker Brandon McManus Signs With Washington Commanders. (link)

FanDuel to replace GambetDC as sole sports betting operator in Washington D.C. (link)

The Commanders have secured the signing of Pro Bowl specialist Jeremy Reaves. His addition strengthens the team's roster with his acclaimed skills. (link)

🏦 Finance

GSA budget proposal allocates millions for D.C.-area federal building renovations, eventual downsizing of leased space. (link)

Atlanta firm Kellen Co. moves headquarters to D.C., commits long term to downtown. (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

🏀 Capital City Go-Go vs. Wisconsin Herd
Entertainment & Sports Arena Washington, DC
Wednesday March 20 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🏀 Capital City Go-Go vs. Windy City Bulls
Entertainment & Sports Arena Washington, DC
Friday March 22 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

⚽ Washington Spirit vs. Bay FC
Audi Field Washington, DC
Saturday March 23 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

🏒 Washington Capitals vs. Winnipeg Jets
Capital One Arena Washington, DC
Sunday March 24 | 12:30 PM | (more info)

Concerts

🎤 Powfu: Waking The Ravens Tour
The Atlantis Washington, DC
Wednesday March 20 | 6:30 PM | (more info)

🎵 Vastive
The Anthem Washington, DC
Wednesday March 20 | 10:00 PM | (more info)

🎹 Brandi Carlile
The Hamilton Live, Washington, DC
Thursday March 21 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎤 Donna Missal
The Atlantis Washington, DC
Saturday March 23 | 6:30 PM | (more info)

Family-Friendly Events

🎭 Harlem Globetrotters 2024 World Tour presented by Jersey Mike's Sub
Capital One Arena Washington, DC
Saturday March 23 | 1:00 PM | (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 streets bustling with holographic advertisements” 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

Emancipation Proclamation (1862)

In the midst of the Civil War, a pivotal moment in the struggle for freedom and equality in the United States occurred with the Emancipation Proclamation of 1862. Under the leadership of President Abraham Lincoln, this executive order was a bold step towards the abolition of slavery, although it initially applied only to the Confederate States in rebellion and not to the slave-holding border states or the Union-controlled areas of the Confederacy. However, months before this national declaration, a significant yet lesser-known action was taken by Lincoln concerning the District of Columbia (D.C.), laying the groundwork for the broader emancipation to follow.

On April 16, 1862, President Lincoln signed the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act, which was a groundbreaking law that decreed the immediate freedom of enslaved people in Washington D.C. This legislation not only freed approximately 3,100 enslaved individuals but also set a precedent for compensated emancipation, offering up to $300 in compensation to loyal Unionist slaveholders for each freed slave. This act was a significant move towards the abolition of slavery and underscored the Union's commitment to dismantling the institution of slavery, at least in the territories it could control directly.

This earlier emancipation within the nation's capital served as a crucial stepping stone towards the more comprehensive Emancipation Proclamation signed later in September 1862 and taking effect on January 1, 1863. By freeing the enslaved people of D.C., Lincoln demonstrated a commitment to the abolitionist cause and provided a model for the future emancipation of all enslaved individuals in the rebellious states. The D.C. emancipation added moral force to the Union cause and marked an essential shift in the war's objectives, highlighting the fight against slavery as a central element of the conflict. This act of emancipation in Washington D.C. not only bestowed freedom on many but also symbolized hope and the promise of equality for all enslaved people across the nation.

Famous People From Washington D.C.

Benjamin Banneker (1731–1806)

Benjamin Banneker, a self-taught African American almanac author, surveyor, naturalist, and farmer, stands as a monumental figure in American history. His life and work transcend the boundaries of science, challenging the racial prejudices of his time and leaving a legacy that continues to inspire.

Early Life and Education (1731-1748)

Born in Baltimore County, Maryland, to a free African American woman and a former slave father, Benjamin Banneker grew up in a farm that he would later inherit. Despite limited formal education, Banneker was largely self-taught, showing early signs of brilliance by making astronomical calculations that predicted solar and lunar eclipses.

A Gift for Astronomy and Clockmaking (1749-1753)

By his early twenties, Banneker had already constructed a striking wooden clock that kept accurate time for decades, a remarkable feat considering he had seen only one pocket watch in his life and had no formal engineering education. This achievement hinted at his natural talent for understanding mechanical and astronomical concepts.

The Almanacs (1792-1802)

Perhaps Banneker’s most notable contributions were his almanacs, which included ephemerides (tables showing the positions of celestial bodies over time), weather predictions, and essays advocating against slavery. His almanacs were published annually from 1792 until 1802, gaining respect and admiration from across the American states and abroad.

Correspondence with Thomas Jefferson (1791)

In 1791, Banneker wrote to Thomas Jefferson, then Secretary of State, criticizing the hypocrisy of slavery in a nation founded on liberty. He included a copy of his almanac to prove the intellectual equality of Black people. Jefferson's guarded response acknowledged Banneker’s accomplishments, and the correspondence was later published, adding to Banneker’s reputation as an advocate for abolition.

Role in Surveying the Federal District (1791)

In the same year, Banneker played a pivotal role in surveying the territory for what would become Washington D.C. Working alongside Major Andrew Ellicott, he helped lay out the boundaries of the future capital, demonstrating not only his expertise in surveying but also his remarkable capacity for astronomical calculations.

Farming and Natural Studies (1753-1806)

Throughout his life, Banneker remained a farmer, tending to his land in Baltimore County. He was also a noted naturalist, taking meticulous notes on the cycles of plants and insects. His journals, filled with observations and thoughts on a variety of subjects, provide insight into his inquisitive and innovative mind.

Advocacy for Civil Rights (1791-1806)

Banneker’s correspondence with Jefferson and the essays within his almanacs serve as testaments to his early advocacy for racial equality and the abolition of slavery. His intellectual achievements challenged prevailing notions of racial inferiority and contributed to the dialogue on human rights and dignity.

Legacy and Memorials (1806 and Beyond)

After his death in 1806, Banneker's legacy lived on through the continued publication of his almanacs and the preservation of his letters to Jefferson. Schools, educational programs, and awards have been named in his honor, and he remains a symbol of African American achievement in science and literature.

Recognition and Honors (Posthumous)

Banneker has been posthumously recognized in various ways, including the naming of parks, schools, and awards after him. His work has been included in curriculum across the United States as an example of African American contributions to science and society.

Reflections on a Remarkable Life (1731-1806)

Benjamin Banneker's life journey from the son of a freed slave to a respected scientist and advocate for civil rights illustrates a remarkable story of intellect, determination, and resilience. He navigated the challenges of his time, providing indelible contributions to science and humanity.

Key Achievements of Benjamin Banneker:

• Authored several almanacs from 1792 to 1802 that included astronomical calculations, weather forecasts, and essays.

• Played a crucial role in the surveying of the boundaries for Washington D.C.

• Constructed a fully functional wooden clock based on a single pocket watch viewing.

• Corresponded with Thomas Jefferson, challenging him on the issues of slavery and racial equality.

• Served as an early advocate for civil rights and the abolition of slavery through his writings and published almanacs.

Benjamin Banneker's life is a beacon of ingenuity and advocacy. Through his self-taught expertise in astronomy, his pivotal role in the surveying of Washington D.C., and his unwavering stand against slavery, he established himself as a towering figure in America's narrative. His works and legacy continue to inspire and challenge us to realize the principles of equality and justice.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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

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