Dr. Charles Drew was an African American physician, surgeon, and medical researcher who made significant contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in the area of blood transfusion. He was born on June 3, 1904, in Washington, D.C., and grew up in an era of racial segregation and discrimination.

Dr. Drew is best known for his work on the development of techniques for the long-term preservation of blood plasma, which was crucial during World War II when there was a high demand for blood transfusions for wounded soldiers. His research laid the foundation for the creation of blood banks, revolutionizing the field of blood transfusion medicine.

Despite his groundbreaking contributions, Dr. Charles Drew faced racial discrimination in his career. He was appointed the director of the Red Cross Blood Bank during World War II but resigned in protest against the segregationist blood donation policies imposed by the organization at the time.

Dr. Charles Drew's legacy is celebrated as a pioneer in the field of medicine and a trailblazer for African American scientists and healthcare professionals. His work saved countless lives and has had a lasting impact on the healthcare industry.