Charles Richard Drew was an African American physician, surgeon, and medical researcher who made groundbreaking contributions to the field of blood transfusions and blood banking during the early 20th century. He was born on June 3, 1904 in Washington, D.C. and faced numerous challenges due to racial discrimination during his education and career.

Drew's most significant achievement was his research in blood plasma preservation, which led to the development of techniques for long-term storage of blood and plasma. This work was instrumental in improving the efficiency and safety of blood transfusions, particularly during World War II when he established blood banks for the American Red Cross. Drew's efforts helped save countless lives, and his work laid the foundation for modern blood banking practices.

Despite his pioneering contributions to medicine, Drew faced discrimination within the medical community and was often denied opportunities for advancement due to his race. However, he continued to advocate for racial equality in healthcare and education throughout his career.

Tragically, Charles Drew died in a car accident on April 1, 1950, at the age of 45. His legacy lives on as a trailblazer in the field of blood transfusion medicine and a symbol of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.