Charles Drew: Distinguished Surgeon and Blood Researcher
5 CHAPTER ONE Charles Drew would grow up to change the medical field with his scientific discoveries about blood Science and technology were changing lives in the early 1900s Cars made travel more convenient Electricity in homes improved daily living Medical breakthroughs such as aspirin and vaccines helped treat and prevent sickness Charles Drew would also contribute to science Charles was born in Washington DC on June 3 1904 He lived a short but successful life GROWING UP AFRICAN-AMERICAN
Racism in America Slavery in Washington DC ended on April 16 1862 when Congress passed the District of Columbia Emancipation Act President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 This ended slavery across the country Even though slavery ended racism still existed African Americans were not granted the same rights as whites For example Drew was not allowed to visit the same restaurants or attend the same schools as whites 6 He revolutionized what we know about blood His scientific discoveries went on to save millions of lives Richard and Nora Drew had five children Charles was the oldest As an African-American family in the early 1900s the Drews faced hardships Schools and housing were segregated In most places in the United States at the time this meant African-American families had limited access to schooling Charles and his family were an exception Washington DC had a large population of African Americans There were many good schools for African Americans to attend in the area
Well into the 1900s many public facilities across the United States were segregated The Drew children had access to excellent schools but Charles focused more on sports He was an award-winning athlete at Dunbar High School He was an excellent swimmer and also participated in football basketball baseball and track 7
