Welcome to The Washington D.C. Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• GOP split could doom bipartisan child tax credit bill

• Upcoming Giggs concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Daniel Hale Williams

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who has a why to live can bear almost any how."

— Friedrich Nietzsche

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 Washington DC museum houses the Hope Diamond among its extensive collection of natural history specimens?

A) The National Museum of Natural History

B) The National Gallery of Art

C) The National Museum of American History

D) The Smithsonian American Art Museum

Answer to Week 13's Trivia:

The library in Washington DC that is the largest in the world by shelf space and number of books is: A) The Library of Congress

News

💼 Business

MoCo health system resumes 1 of 2 stalled hospital expansion projects. (Link)

New flights to Alaska and Florida coming to DCA and IAD. (Link)

D.C. properties shine in Michelin Guide's inaugural list of best hotels. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Jayson Werth’s love of horse racing after baseball has led him to the Kentucky Derby. (Link)

CONCACAF Champions Cup final moved to June 1 to avoid conflict with Mexican elections. (Link)

Trinity Rodman scores, Croix Bethune collects 3 assists as Washington Spirit defeats Chicago 4-2. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Organic walnuts recalled over E. coli outbreak. (Link)

GOP split could doom bipartisan child tax credit bill. (Link)

UnitedHealth CEO faces grilling from Congress over Change Healthcare hack. (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

⚾ Baltimore Orioles at Washington Nationals
Nationals Park, Washington, DC
May 7th and 8th | (More info)

🏀 Preseason: Minnesota Lynx at Washington Mystics
Entertainment & Sports Arena, Washington, DC
Wednesday, May 8th | (More info)

🏈 Michigan Panthers at D.C. Defenders
Audi Field, Washington, DC
Sunday, May 12th | (More info)

Concerts

🎶 Giggs
Union Stage, Washington, DC
Monday, May 6th, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 R.A.P. Ferreira
Pie Shop, Washington, DC
Tuesday, May 7th, 2024 | (More info)

🎶 Mk.Gee
Howard Theatre, Washington, DC
Saturday, May 11th, 2024 | (More info)

Family-Friendly Events

🌸 Mother's Day at the Club
555 13th Street Northwest, Washington, DC
Sunday, May 12th | (More info)

🏕️ Daughter and Mother Camp Congress for Girls 2024
999 9th Street Northwest, Washington, DC
Saturday, May 11th | (More info)

🎶 Act 45: Stevie's Living Legends
715 Florida Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC
Friday, May 10th | (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 “Urban landscape of Washington DC with advanced public transport systems” 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

Bonus Army March (1932) - WWI veterans assemble to demand early bonus payment, leading to clashes.

In the sweltering summer of 1932, amidst the grips of the Great Depression, a significant event unfolded in the heart of the United States capital, Washington D.C. Thousands of World War I veterans, together with their families, converged on the city in an extraordinary demonstration known as the Bonus Army March. These veterans, deeply affected by the economic downturn, were driven by desperation and the pursuit of immediate relief. They demanded the early payment of a promised cash bonus, initially scheduled for disbursement in 1945, as a means to alleviate their financial struggles. This assembly marked a poignant plea stemming from the hardships that had befallen the nation, symbolizing a collective cry for government action and support.

As the Bonus Army swelled in numbers, reaching upwards of 20,000 participants, their encampments sprawled across the Anacostia Flats, transforming the area into a sprawling shantytown. The peaceful demeanor of the protest, underscored by the disciplined behavior of its veteran participants, set a somber tone for the ensuing events. Unease grew within the government ranks about the implications of such a large, organized group of discontented citizens. Despite attempts at negotiation, the veterans' appeals for the immediate cash payment were met with legislative inaction, thereby intensifying the already tense atmosphere.

The situation reached a critical juncture when, in late July, authorities decided to disband the encampments, leading to clashes that would mark a dark chapter in American history. Under the orders of President Herbert Hoover, the U.S. Army, led by General Douglas MacArthur and supported by then-Majors Dwight D. Eisenhower and George S. Patton, moved in to evict the veterans. The ensuing confrontation turned violent, utilizing tear gas and cavalry against the unarmed assembly, resulting in casualties and the forceful expulsion of the Bonus Army from the capital. This heavy-handed response not only spotlighted the severe economic despair faced by many Americans but also underscored the deep divisions and tensions within the society and government. The Bonus Army March of 1932 thus remains a poignant reminder of the struggles of veterans and the complexities of addressing national crises.

Famous People From Washington D.C.

Daniel Hale Williams (1856–1931):

Early Life and Education (1856-1878):

Daniel Hale Williams was born in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, to a free African American family. Despite the early loss of his father, Williams was determined to pursue an education. He served as an apprentice with a Baltimore shoemaker before moving to Illinois, where he worked as a barber and later founded a successful barbershop. His interest in medicine grew, leading him to attend the Chicago Medical College (now Northwestern University Medical School), where he graduated with an M.D. degree in 1883.

Starting His Medical Career (1878-1889):

After obtaining his medical degree, Williams opened his own medical practice in Chicago, Illinois, at a time when African American doctors faced significant discrimination. He also became an instructor in anatomy at his alma mater and was involved with the Illinois State Board of Health. His dedication to his patients and his skills as a surgeon quickly garnered him respect in the medical community.

Founding Provident Hospital (1891):

Recognizing the need for an institution that would provide medical training and services without regard to race, Williams founded Provident Hospital in Chicago in 1891. It was the first interracial hospital and nursing school in the United States, where Williams implemented an unprecedented level of sanitary conditions that significantly improved surgical success rates.

First Successful Open-Heart Surgery (1893):

In 1893, Williams achieved worldwide recognition for performing one of the first successful open-heart surgeries. He repaired the pericardium of a young man named James Cornish, who had been stabbed in the chest. This groundbreaking operation, performed without the benefits of modern surgical procedures or antibiotics, marked a monumental moment in medical history.

Expanding His Influence (1894-1898):

Williams continued to make significant strides in medicine. He became Chief Surgeon at the Freedmen's Hospital in Washington, D.C., a role in which he made substantial improvements to both its surgical departments and nursing school. During his tenure, he worked tirelessly to provide better healthcare for African Americans and to train African American nurses and doctors.

Connection to Washington DC (1894-1898):

His years spent at Freedmen's Hospital in Washington, D.C., were transformative, not just for his career but also for the institution itself. Williams modernized the hospital's facilities, improved the level of care, and played a crucial part in training scores of African American medical professionals. His efforts laid the groundwork for better healthcare access and quality for African Americans in the nation's capital.

Leadership in Medical Societies (1900-1910):

Williams co-founded the National Medical Association in 1895, an organization established for African American medical professionals who were barred from joining the American Medical Association (AMA). He became a respected leader and advocate for African American healthcare professionals and their patients, continuously pushing for high standards and equal treatment in the medical field.

Later Years and Retirement (1910-1931):

Despite the immense pressures and workload, Williams maintained an active involvement in the medical community. He moved to Chicago where he continued his private practice and also became a staff member at St. Luke’s Hospital. He retired in 1926 due to health issues but remained a respected figure in the medical field until his death in 1931.

Legacy and Honors (Post-1931):

Daniel Hale Williams’ pioneering work left an indelible mark on the world of surgery and the medical treatment of African Americans. His achievements broke racial barriers in medicine and set new standards in surgical hygiene and care. His legacy is commemorated in various ways, including inductions into the National Health Institute Hall of Fame and having schools and health institutions named after him.

Death and Remembrance (1931):

Williams died on August 4, 1931, but his legacy lived on. He is remembered as a trailblazer who overcame racial discrimination to become one of the most respected surgeons of his time. His pioneering heart surgery and efforts to improve medical education and hospital care for African Americans have cemented his place in medical history.

Key Achievements of Daniel Hale Williams:

• Founded Provident Hospital, the first interracial hospital and nursing school in the U.S.

• Performed one of the first successful open-heart surgeries in 1893.

• Became Chief Surgeon at Freedmen’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., improving its surgical departments and nursing school.

• Co-founded the National Medical Association for African American medical professionals.

• Inducted into the National Health Institute Hall of Fame.

Daniel Hale Williams’ journey from a shoemaker’s apprentice to a pioneering heart surgeon demonstrates his unwavering dedication to breaking down racial barriers in medicine. Through his groundbreaking work, including one of the first successful open-heart surgeries, he not only saved lives but also paved the way for future generations of African American medical professionals. His profound impact on the medical field and his advocacy for equal healthcare continue to inspire and influence medical practices to this day.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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