Welcome to The Washington D.C. Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Washington Commanders coaching staff updates

• Family Day at the National Air and Space Museum

• A deep-dive into the life of Mary Church Terrell

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine."

- Roy T. Bennett

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!

The "Smithsonian National Zoological Park" in Washington DC is famously home to which type of bear, symbolizing conservation efforts between the U.S. and China?

A) Grizzly Bear

B) Polar Bear

C) Panda Bear

D) Black Bear

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

Which iconic Washington DC structure serves as both a monument and an active cathedral, known for its Gothic architecture?

A) The Washington National Cathedral.

News

💼 Business

Hunter Biden clarifies to House GOP his business dealings did not involve his father, amid ongoing political scrutiny. (link)

Pharmaceutical companies behind Ozempic and Mounjaro are intensifying efforts to meet surging demand for weight-loss drugs. (link)

The US economy recorded a solid 3.2% growth in the fourth quarter, marking a slight revision from initial government estimates. (link)

D.C. Council is set to cast its first vote on comprehensive anti-crime legislation aimed at addressing rising crime rates. (link)

🏒 Sports

Monumental Sports Network announces plans to broadcast a series of Old Glory DC rugby games during the 2024 season. (link)

The Washington Commanders are reportedly on the verge of hiring Cowboys' Dan Quinn as their defensive coordinator. (link)

Washington DC's sports betting handle drops by 21% to $16.0 million in January, though GambetDC experiences one of its strongest months. (link)

🏦 Finance

Trump Media's potential merger could significantly boost Former President Donald J. Trump's financial position, with his stake possibly valued at up to $4 billion. (link)

House GOP's proposed budget 'poison pills' may necessitate spending cuts, posing risks to the economy. (link)

The owner of D.C.'s Waldorf Astoria hotel faces financial difficulties, defaulting on a loan associated with the property. (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

🏀 Georgetown vs. Providence
Capital One Arena, Washington D.C.
Tuesday, Mar. 5th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🏀 Washington Wizards vs. Orlando Magic
Capital One Arena, Washington D.C.
Wednesday, Mar. 6th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🏀 Washington Wizards vs. Charlotte Hornets
Capital One Arena, Washington D.C.
Friday, Mar. 8th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🏒 Washington Capitals vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Capital One Arena, Washington D.C.
Saturday, Mar. 9th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Concerts

🎤 Burna Boy - I Told Them... Tour
Capital One Arena, Washington D.C.
Thursday, Mar. 7th | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

🎤 Enola Gay
DC9 Nightclub, Washington D.C.
Friday, Mar. 8th | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

🎸 Flyana Boss
The Atlantis, Washington, DC
Tuesday, Mar. 5th | 6:30 PM | (More Info)

🎧 Qveen Herby
Howard Theatre - DC
Thursday, Mar. 7th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

Family-Friendly Events

🚀 Family Day at the National Air and Space Museum
National Air and Space Museum, Washington D.C.
Saturday, March 9th | 10:00 AM | (More Info)

🎨 Storytime: Becoming Butterflies
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington D.C.
Wednesday, Mar. 6th | 10:00 AM | (More Info)

 🎨 Play Date: Exploring Color with Rocks & Minerals
National Museum of American History, Washington D.C.
Tuesday, Mar. 5th | 10:30 AM | (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 within a giant biodome” 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

British Invasion of Washington D.C. (1814)

During the War of 1812, a significant conflict between the United States and Great Britain, the British invasion of Washington D.C. in 1814 stands as a pivotal and dramatic episode. As part of their campaign to retaliate against American attacks on Canada, British forces aimed to strike at the heart of the U.S. government. In August 1814, under the command of Major General Robert Ross, British troops landed in Maryland and advanced towards the capital, facing little resistance due to the American forces' lack of preparation and the disarray in the defense of the city.

On August 24, 1814, British forces entered Washington D.C., encountering only nominal militia resistance that quickly fell apart. The invasion was marked by the burning of key buildings, a tactic intended to demoralize the American populace and government. Among the most symbolic acts of this invasion was the setting ablaze of the White House and the Capitol Building. First Lady Dolley Madison famously saved a portrait of George Washington from the White House before fleeing the advancing flames. The British troops, following their orders to carry out punitive acts against the American infrastructure, also targeted other significant structures, including the Library of Congress and the U.S. Treasury.

The British occupation of Washington was brief, lasting about 26 hours. After completing their mission of destruction, the British forces withdrew, partly due to fears of counterattack and partly because the invasion's objective had been primarily symbolic rather than an attempt at long-term occupation. The burning of Washington served as a wake-up call to the United States, highlighting vulnerabilities and catalyzing improvements in the country's defense capabilities. Although the War of 1812 is often remembered for its failures and missteps on both sides, the invasion of Washington and the subsequent burning of key governmental buildings remain emblematic of the war's impact on the U.S. psyche and infrastructure.

Famous People From Washington D.C.

Mary Church Terrell (1863–1954)

Mary Church Terrell was an extraordinary figure in American history, seamlessly blending her roles as an educator, suffragist, and civil rights activist. Her life's work laid crucial groundwork for the strides toward equality and justice for African-Americans and women in the United States.

Early Life and Education (1863-1884)

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, to former slaves who became successful entrepreneurs, Mary Church Terrell was introduced early to the importance of education and economic independence. She attended Oberlin College, where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, becoming one of the first African-American women to achieve such academic heights.

Advocating for Civil Rights (1884-1909)

After college, Terrell committed herself to activism. She taught in the African-American public schools in Washington, DC, and quickly became involved in the fight against racial discrimination and for the suffrage movement. Her eloquent speeches and persuasive writing highlighted the intersectionality of race and gender, advocating for the rights of African-American women.

Formation of the National Association of Colored Women (1896-1910)

Terrell was instrumental in founding the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) in 1896 and served as its first president. Under her leadership, the NACW aimed to achieve social and educational reform and fight racial discrimination, uniting African-American women in the battle against racial oppression.

The Struggle for Suffrage (1910-1920)

Around the turn of the century, the women's suffrage movement gained momentum, and Terrell was at the forefront, fighting for the voting rights of all women. She worked closely with prominent leaders of the suffrage movement, emphasizing that the fight for women's rights must include the rights of African-American women.

Her Connection to Washington D.C. (1920-1935)

Terrell's influence was particularly felt in Washington D.C., where she led efforts to desegregate the city's restaurants and public accommodations, decades before the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and '60s. Her successful lawsuit against a DC restaurant set a precedent for ending segregated eating facilities in the capital.

International Activism (1935-1945)

Terrell's activism reached beyond U.S. borders. She attended international women’s conferences and was a proponent of Pan-Africanism, connecting the struggle against racism in the United States with global anti-colonial movements. Her international work highlighted the global nature of racial discrimination and the need for worldwide solidarity among oppressed peoples.

The Final Years of Advocacy (1945-1954)

Even in her later years, Terrell continued her advocacy work. She was a significant figure in the early Civil Rights Movement, participating in pickets and protests that laid the groundwork for future civil rights activism. Her longevity in the movement made her a bridge between generations of activists.

Leaving a Legacy (1954 and Beyond)

Mary Church Terrell passed away in 1954, but her legacy endures. Her tireless work over seven decades contributed significantly to the progress of civil rights and women's suffrage in the United States. Terrell is remembered as a pioneering figure in both the African-American and women’s rights movements.

Key Achievements of Mary Church Terrell:

• One of the first African-American women to earn a college degree.

• Co-founder and first president of the National Association of Colored Women.

• Key figure in the fight for women’s suffrage and African-American civil rights.

• Led the battle to desegregate public spaces in Washington D.C.

• Integral in laying the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s.

Mary Church Terrell's life embodied the struggle for justice and equality, navigating the entwined challenges of racism and sexism with unparalleled grace and persistence. Her educational achievements broke barriers, her activism paved the way for future civil rights victories, and her leadership inspired generations of activists. Mary Church Terrell remains a beacon of hope and a symbol of the enduring fight for equality and justice for all.

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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