Charles Drew was a prominent African American surgeon and medical researcher who made significant contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in the field of blood transfusion. Born on June 3, 1904, in Washington, D.C., Drew's work in developing methods for the processing and storage of blood plasma was instrumental in improving the practice of blood transfusion during World War II.

Drew earned his medical degree from McGill University in Canada and later pursued further studies in surgery at Columbia University. He became the first African American to earn a Doctor of Science in Medicine degree from Columbia. During his career, Drew served as the director of the Blood for Britain project, which collected blood from donors in the United States to send to the British military during WWII.

One of Drew's most significant achievements was his development of techniques for the long-term preservation of blood plasma, which allowed for the creation of blood banks. Despite his groundbreaking work, Drew faced discrimination and segregation in the medical field, including being barred from attending conferences and events due to his race.

Charles Drew's legacy is honored through his contributions to medical research and his advocacy for equitable access to healthcare. He is remembered as a pioneer in the field of blood transfusion and a trailblazer for African Americans in medicine.