Welcome to The Washington D.C. Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• BWI Marshall raises parking rates for first time in 15 years

• Upcoming Washington Mystics match

• A deep-dive into the life of Thurgood Marshall

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does."

— William James

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 Washington DC monument that honors the first President of the United States?

A) The Jefferson Memorial

B) The Lincoln Memorial

C) The Washington Monument

D) The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

Answer to Week 14's Trivia:

The Washington DC museum that houses the Hope Diamond among its extensive collection of natural history specimens is: A) The National Museum of Natural History

News

💼 Business

Amtrak seeks prompt takeover of Union Station's retail leases. (Link)

Taser maker reaches deal to acquire N. Va. drone detection company. (Link)

Greater Washington's affordable housing conundrum, explained. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Alica Schmidt, called ‘world’s sexiest athlete’ by fans, qualifies for 2024 Olympics. (Link)

Rivalry renewed: Surging Nationals, contending Orioles meet in Beltway Series. (Link)

Penske suspends Cindric and 3 others in the wake of a cheating scandal ahead of the Indianapolis 500. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Swiftonomics: Taylor Swift course at AU to examine music industry, ticket sales, streaming. (Link)

Roofers Union DC reboot: New owners, (mostly) same vibe. (Link)

BWI Marshall raises parking rates for first time in 15 years. (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

🏀 New York Liberty at Washington Mystics
Entertainment & Sports Arena, Washington, DC
Tuesday, May 14th | (More info)

⚽ New York Red Bulls at D.C. United
Audi Field, Washington, DC
Wednesday, May 15th | (More info)

🥊 Locked In Presented By Davis Boxing Promotions
Entertainment & Sports Arena, Washington, DC
Saturday, May 18th | (More info)

Concerts

🎤 Cypress Hill
Lincoln Theatre, Washington, DC
Tuesday, May 14th, 2024 | (More info)

🎶 Kathleen Hanna
Lincoln Theatre, Washington, DC
Wednesday, May 15th, 2024 | (More info)

🔊 Skream
Soundcheck, Washington, DC
Friday, May 17th, 2024 | (More info)

Family-Friendly Events

🎭 Haha for humanity, a stand-up comedy show for charity
705 Edgewood Street Northeast, Washington, DC
Friday, May 17th | (More info)

💃 DABKE WORKSHOP
5333 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC
Sunday, May 19th | (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 wildlife corridors and roaming animals” 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

Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal (1933) - FDR launches the New Deal from D.C., providing jobs and recovery programs during the Great Depression.

In 1933, amidst the depths of the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt launched the New Deal, a series of federal programs, public work projects, financial reforms, and regulations emanating from Washington D.C. This bold initiative aimed at providing economic relief, recovery, and reform to an ailing nation. The New Deal was Roosevelt's response to the widespread unemployment, bank failures, and economic despair that gripped the United States following the stock market crash of 1929. By implementing these programs, Roosevelt sought not only to restore economic stability but also to rebuild Americans' confidence in their government and financial system.

The New Deal encompassed a wide range of programs and policies that had a profound effect on the fabric of American society and its government. From the creation of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which provided jobs to millions of unemployed Americans, to the establishment of the Social Security System and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the New Deal aimed to provide immediate economic relief and foster long-term financial security. These initiatives were implemented with an unprecedented level of government intervention in the economy, setting new precedents for the role of the federal government in American life.

Washington D.C. served as the epicenter of this transformative period. From the halls of Congress to the White House, Roosevelt and his team worked tirelessly to enact legislation that would alleviate the economic hardship facing the nation. The New Deal not only sought to address the immediate crisis but also laid the groundwork for a more equitable and resilient economic system. Through a blend of reform, recovery, and relief efforts, the New Deal fundamentally reshaped the relationship between the federal government and the American people, marking a pivotal chapter in U.S. history that emanated from the nation's capital.

Famous People From Washington D.C.

Thurgood Marshall (1908–1993):

The first African American Supreme Court Justice, instrumental in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education:

Thurgood Marshall was a towering figure in the history of American civil rights, breaking racial barriers as the first African American Supreme Court Justice. His legal brilliance and commitment to justice reshaped the landscape of American society.

Early Life and Education (1908-1930):

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, to a railroad porter and a schoolteacher, Thurgood Marshall grew up during a time when segregation was the norm. Despite facing racial discrimination, Marshall excelled academically, eventually attending Lincoln University and then Howard University School of Law, where he would be mentored by civil rights lawyer Charles Hamilton Houston.

The Fight for Civil Rights Begins (1931-1940):

After graduating from Howard University at the top of his class, Marshall started practicing law in Baltimore. He quickly became involved in civil rights cases, representing the NAACP in a lawsuit that challenged the University of Maryland Law School's admission policy. Marshall's victory in this case marked the first of many legal battles he would wage against racial segregation and discrimination.

Rising Star of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (1940-1954):

Marshall's success in civil rights litigation led to his appointment as the chief counsel for the NAACP. In this role, he argued before the Supreme Court numerous times, winning 29 out of the 32 cases he took on. His efforts culminated in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education (1954), where he successfully argued that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, overturning the separate but equal doctrine established in Plessy v. Ferguson.

Connection to Washington DC (1955-1961):

Marshall's connection to Washington DC was solidified with his work in the Supreme Court, particularly during the Brown v. Board ruling. Living and working in the nation’s capital allowed him greater access to key figures in the civil rights movement and to politicians who could effect change at the national level. His presence in Washington during this time was symbolic of the broader shift in American politics towards civil rights.

Appointment to the Federal Bench (1961-1967):

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy appointed Marshall to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, a position he held until President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed him Solicitor General in 1965. As Solicitor General, Marshall won 14 of the 19 cases he argued for the government, showcasing his legal expertise at the highest levels.

First African American Supreme Court Justice (1967-1991):

In a historic move, President Johnson nominated Thurgood Marshall to the Supreme Court in 1967. His appointment broke racial barriers and cemented his legacy in American jurisprudence. During his 24-year tenure on the bench, Marshall was known for his passionate advocacy for individual rights and his dissenting opinions, especially in cases concerning death penalty and abortion rights.

Defending Civil Rights from the Bench (Throughout Supreme Court Tenure):

Marshall's Supreme Court rulings consistently reflected his commitment to civil rights and liberties. He championed affirmative action, opposed racial and gender discrimination, and defended the rights of the accused. His legal philosophy was rooted in the belief that the Constitution must be interpreted in a manner that guarantees equal rights for all citizens.

Legacy and Retirement (1991-1993):

Marshall retired from the Supreme Court in 1991, leaving behind a profound legacy as a jurist who had devoted his career to fighting for a more equitable and just society. He passed away on January 24, 1993, but his groundbreaking work and the precedents he set continue to influence American legal and civil rights discourse.

Key Achievements of Thurgood Marshall:

• First African American Supreme Court Justice.

• Lead attorney in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education, which desegregated public schools in America.

• Won 29 of 32 cases argued before the Supreme Court, mostly on behalf of the NAACP.

• Served as U.S. Solicitor General, winning 14 out of 19 cases.

• Advocated for civil rights, liberties, and equal justice under the law throughout his career.

Thurgood Marshall's legacy as a jurist and civil rights advocate is unparalleled. Through his landmark victory in Brown v. Board of Education, he spearheaded the legal battle against segregation, reshaping American society. As the first African American Supreme Court Justice, his rulings and opinions furthered the cause of justice and equality. Marshall's lifelong dedication to civil rights not only broke racial barriers but also solidified his place as a pivotal figure in American history.

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-Matthew Larsen

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