Dr. Charles Drew was an African American physician, surgeon, and medical researcher who made significant contributions to the field of medicine and blood banking. He was born on June 3, 1904, in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Drew is best known for his pioneering work in blood plasma preservation and for establishing the first large-scale blood bank in the United States. During World War II, he developed innovative techniques for storing and transporting blood plasma, which helped save the lives of many wounded soldiers on the battlefield.

Despite facing racial discrimination and segregation in the medical field, Dr. Drew continued to advocate for equal access to healthcare and opportunities for African American medical professionals. He became the first African American to earn a Doctor of Medical Science degree from Columbia University and was a professor and head of surgery at Howard University.

Tragically, Dr. Charles Drew's life was cut short in a car accident in 1950, but his legacy continues to inspire future generations of medical professionals. He is remembered as a trailblazer in medicine and a pioneer of blood banking, whose work has saved countless lives and improved healthcare practices around the world.