Sponsored by:

Welcome to The Washington D.C. Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Milestone Business Park in Germantown sells for $38M to MRP Realty.

• Upcoming Washington Mystics match

• A deep-dive into the life of Garnet C. Wilkinson

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“If people are doubting how far you can go, go so far that you can’t hear them anymore.” 

—Michele Ruiz

Sponsored

Renew and Restore Your Mental Wellness This Fall with BetterHelp

Is your phone constantly buzzing, leaving you feeling drained and disconnected? Does your to-do list keep growing without ever shrinking? You deserve to feel calm, focused, and in control. BetterHelp, with its network of 32,000 licensed therapists and 4 million active subscribers, connects you with a therapist tailored who specializes in helping people manage stress and achieve a better work-life balance. Take the free 5-minute assessment and get matched with a therapist who understands your unique needs. Start talking anytime, anywhere, through phone, video, or text. Plus, get $250 off your first three months and enjoy a risk-free experience with their money-back guarantee. Don't wait - reclaim your peace of mind today.

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!

In Washington DC, which avenue is known as America's Main Street, hosting parades, protests, and presidential inaugurations?

A) Constitution Avenue

B) Independence Avenue

C) Pennsylvania Avenue

D) K Street NW

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Washington DC building that is the home of the Supreme Court of the United States, where landmark legal decisions are made, is C) The Supreme Court Building

News

💼Business

JPMorgan appeals proposed strip club next door to its D.C. headquarters. (Link)

D.C.-area economic outlook buoyed by record employment, residential growth. (Link)

🏒Sports

Commanders release kicker York after shaky season debut. (Link)

49ers spoil Aaron Rodgers’ return with 32-19 win over Jets. (Link)

🏦Finance

Milestone Business Park in Germantown sells for $38M to MRP Realty. (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

🏀 Indiana Fever at Washington Mystics
Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Thursday, Sep. 19th | (More info)

🏈 Howard Bison at Hampton Pirates Football
Audi Field, Washington, DC
Saturday, Sep. 21st | (More info)

Concerts

🎤 Epik High
Warner Theatre, Washington, DC
Tuesday, Sep. 17th | (More info)

🎤 Fletcher and Maude Latour
The Anthem, Washington, DC
Wednesday, Sep. 18th | (More info)

Family

🧒 Family Story Time
Shaw (Watha T. Daniel) Neighborhood Library, Washington, DC
Wednesday, September 18th | (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 a central park featuring exotic, genetically engineered plants” 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

Opening of Union Station (1907) - Becomes a key transportation hub and architectural marvel.

The opening of Union Station in 1907 was a transformative event for Washington D.C., marking a significant evolution in the city's infrastructure and urban landscape. Designed by noted architect Daniel Burnham, known for his advocacy of the City Beautiful Movement, Union Station was intended not just as a functional transportation hub but as a grand gateway to the nation's capital. Its construction was part of a broader plan to beautify Washington D.C. and establish it as a fitting center of national government. Upon its completion, Union Station emerged as one of the most significant architectural marvels of its time, celebrated for its Beaux-Arts design that combined elegance with functionality. The station's magnificent facade, grandiose waiting rooms, and impressive fifty-two-foot vaulted ceilings adorned with gold leaf detailing immediately positioned it as a symbol of the city's aspirations and a testament to early 20th-century American architecture and urban planning.

Union Station quickly became a key transportation hub, facilitating travel and commerce in a way that was unprecedented at the time. Serving as a critical junction for several major railroad lines, it effectively connected Washington D.C. to the rest of the country, making it a bustling nexus of activity. Its strategic location and state-of-the-art facilities accommodated tens of thousands of passengers daily, including soldiers during World War I, signifying its role not only as a center of transportation but also as a place of national importance. The station's capacity to integrate various forms of transport, including rail, streetcar, and later, bus services, underscored its pivotal role in enhancing mobility and shaping the city's development. Its presence fostered economic growth, facilitated the movement of goods and people, and played a crucial part in the urbanization and expansion of Washington D.C.

Beyond its function as a transportation hub, Union Station became an architectural beacon, drawing visitors and locals alike to admire its beauty and grandeur. The station's architecture, with its classical columns, intricate sculptures, and expansive spaces, reflected a city coming into its own on the national and international stage. Union Station symbolized the modernity and progress of early 20th-century America while anchoring Washington D.C.'s identity as a city of significant political and cultural power. Over the years, despite changes in travel trends and the advent of new transportation technologies, Union Station has retained its importance, continuing to serve millions of passengers annually while remaining a cherished architectural treasure. Its enduring legacy is a testament to the vision of its creators and its pivotal role in the life of the nation's capital.

Famous People From Washington D.C.

Garnet C. Wilkinson (1879–1969) - Educator and administrator in D.C. public schools, instrumental in advancing education for African American students during segregation.

Garnet C. Wilkinson emerged as a pivotal figure in the advancement of education for African American students during the segregation era in the United States. His life and career shed light on the struggles and triumphs within the segregated educational system, showcasing his dedication to improving the opportunities available to black students in the face of systemic barriers.

Early Life and Education (1879-1900)

Born in Washington D.C. in 1879, Garnet C. Wilkinson was raised in a period of great change and challenge for African Americans. Despite the obstacles posed by a segregated society, Wilkinson pursued his education with determination, understanding early on the transformative power of knowledge. He graduated from the prestigious M Street School, which later became known as Dunbar High School, a center of excellence for African American education at the time.

Beginning in Education (1900-1918)

Wilkinson's career in education began shortly after his graduation, when he started teaching in the D.C. public school system. His passion for education and his dedication to his students were evident from the start. Wilkinson's early years as an educator coincided with a period of considerable challenge for African American educators, who had to navigate the limitations imposed by segregation while striving to provide a quality education for their students.

Leader in Segregated Schools (1918-1934)

Rising through the ranks, Wilkinson became an influential administrator in the District of Columbia’s segregated school system. During this time, he was instrumental in enhancing the curriculum and resources available to African American students. His leadership was marked by a commitment to equity, working within the constraints of segregation to push for improvements that would provide black students with a better education.

Advocate for African American Education (1934-1954)

Wilkinson's advocacy for African American education took on new dimensions as he assumed more significant administrative roles, including that of Assistant Superintendent of Colored Schools. From this position, he was a tireless advocate for educational reform, supporting the development of advanced academic programs and the professional development of black teachers. His efforts during this period laid the groundwork for progress toward educational equality.

Connection to Washington DC (Throughout Career)

Washington DC wasn't just Wilkinson's birthplace; it was also the arena of his lifelong struggle and achievements. The city’s educational landscape and its transformation over the decades was deeply intertwined with Wilkinson's career. He influenced generations of students and educators in the district, leaving a legacy of commitment to education and equality that remains embedded in the city's history.

Enhancing Educational Opportunities (1954-1960)

Following the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954, Wilkinson played a crucial role in the integration and improvement of the educational landscape in Washington D.C. His work during this period involved navigating the complex process of desegregation, ensuring that educational reforms benefited all students, and particularly those who had been marginalized under the previous system.

Retirement and Legacy (1960-1969)

Wilkinson retired in 1960, leaving behind a transformed educational landscape and a legacy of perseverance and progress in the face of segregation. His career spanned over six decades, during which he witnessed and contributed to significant changes in the educational opportunities available to African American students. His retirement years were a period of reflection on a lifetime of service to education and equality.

Continuing Impact (Post-1969)

Even after his death in 1969, Wilkinson's impact continued to be felt. He had paved the way for future generations of educators and students, setting an example of leadership, advocacy, and resilience. His contributions to the fight for educational equity remain a significant chapter in the history of African American education in the United States.

Key Achievements of Garnet C. Wilkinson:

• Devoted over six decades to improving education for African American students in a segregated society.

• Rose to the role of Assistant Superintendent of Colored Schools in Washington D.C., leveraging this position to advocate for educational reform.

• Instrumental in enhancing academic programs and teacher development for black schools during segregation.

• Played a significant role in navigating the educational landscape of Washington D.C. through the process of desegregation following the Brown v. Board of Education decision.

Garnet C. Wilkinson's story is a testament to the power of education as a tool for change and equality. Through his unwavering commitment to improving the quality of education for African American students, he not only transformed the educational landscape of Washington D.C. but also left a lasting legacy of resilience and advocacy in the face of systemic segregation. His contributions to education continue to inspire and guide efforts toward educational equity to this day.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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

-Matthew Larsen

Poll