Dr. Charles Drew was a prominent African American physician, surgeon, and medical researcher who made significant contributions to the field of blood transfusion. Born in 1904 in Washington, D.C., Drew was an outstanding student and athlete who went on to receive his medical degree from McGill University in Canada.

During World War II, Drew was appointed as the director of the first American Red Cross Blood Bank, where he pioneered techniques for processing and storing blood plasma for transfusions. He also established blood banks that served the U.S. military and helped save the lives of thousands of wounded soldiers.

Despite his groundbreaking work and expertise, Drew faced discrimination due to his race. He protested against the practice of segregating blood based on the race of donors and recipients, arguing that this was both unscientific and morally wrong. Unfortunately, his protests led to his resignation from the American Red Cross.

Dr. Charles Drew's legacy lives on through his contributions to the field of blood banking and his advocacy for equal access to healthcare. He paved the way for advancements in medical science and the promotion of racial equality in the medical profession.