Charles Richard Drew (1904-1950) was a prominent African American physician, surgeon, and medical researcher who made significant contributions to the field of blood transfusions. He is known for his groundbreaking work in blood banking and developing techniques for the long-term preservation of blood plasma, which revolutionized the field of medicine and saved countless lives.

Drew's research and advancements in blood transfusion technology helped establish the first large-scale blood banks during World War II and paved the way for modern blood storage and transfusion practices. He was also a pioneer in developing the concept of blood drives, which became crucial for collecting blood donations to treat wounded soldiers on the battlefield.

Despite facing racial discrimination and segregation in the medical field, Charles Drew persisted in his work and became a leading figure in the field of hematology. His legacy continues to inspire generations of medical professionals and researchers, and he is remembered as a trailblazer in both medicine and civil rights.