Welcome to The Boston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Federal biotech ban hinges on Trump.

• Mayo, Henry deny locker reports.

• A deep-dive into the life of Phillis Wheatley.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why."

— Mark Twain

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

In Boston, which historic neighborhood is known for its narrow, gas-lit streets and brick row houses?

A) Beacon Hill

B) North End

C) South End

D) Back Bay

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The oldest tavern in Boston, dating back to 1795, is A) The Bell in Hand Tavern.

News

💼Business

Future of federal ban on Chinese biotechs could depend on Trump. (link)

Dorchester Brewing’s building sold, now on year-to-year lease. (link)

🏒Sports 

Jerod Mayo, Hunter Henry dispute reports of ‘unbothered’ Patriots locker room. (link)

Patriots' Jabrill Peppers to face jury in January, but could play this Sunday. (link)

🏦Finance

Davis Cos. buys Andover property from Alexandria for $67M. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏀 Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat
TD Garden, Boston, MA
Mon • Dec 02, 2024 • 7:30 PM | (More info)

🏒 Northeastern Huskies Mens Basketball vs. LaSalle Explorers Mens Basketball
Matthews Arena, Boston, MA
Tue • Dec 03, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎷 Paerish
Brighton Music Hall presented by Citizens, Boston, MA
Mon • Dec 02 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎵 Marc Rebillet
Royale Boston, Boston, MA
Tue • Dec 03, 2024 • 8:00 PM | (More info)

Family

📚 Michael McIntyre
Boch Center Shubert Theatre, Boston, MA
Tue • Dec 03, 2024 • 8:00 PM | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Boston illuminated entirely by bioluminescent plants and structures” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Boston Historical Events

Founding of Boston University (1839) - Originally Newbury Biblical Institute in Vermont, relocated to Boston in 1867.

Boston University has a rich history that dates back to 1839 when it was established as the Newbury Biblical Institute in a small town in Vermont. Founded by a group of abolitionist Methodists, the institute aimed to provide distinguished theological training. In 1867, the institute relocated to Concord, New Hampshire, and later to Boston in 1869, where it was officially chartered as Boston University. The move to Boston marked the beginning of a new chapter for the institution, leading to its growth and development as a prominent private research university.

The founding of Boston University in 1839 laid the groundwork for its evolution into an internationally recognized institution of higher learning and research. The relocation to Boston in 1869 marked a significant milestone in the university's history, as it expanded its academic offerings and established itself as a leading educational institution. Today, Boston University offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and special degree programs, along with a vast network of academic centers and institutes. The university's founding principles and commitment to academic excellence continue to shape its identity and contribute to its global reputation.

Boston University's origins as the Newbury Biblical Institute in Vermont reflect its deep-rooted history and the visionary efforts of its founders. The institute's relocation to Boston in 1869 set the stage for its transformation into a top-tier university with a diverse and vibrant academic community. As Boston University continues to thrive, its founding in 1839 serves as a testament to its enduring legacy and its ongoing pursuit of excellence in education and research.

Famous People From Boston

Phillis Wheatley – First African American author of a published book of poetry

Phillis Wheatley: Her Life, Poetry, and Legacy

Phillis Wheatley, born around 1753 in Gambia, Africa, was captured by enslavers and brought to America in 1761. Upon arrival, she was sold to the Wheatley family in Boston, Massachusetts. Her first name, Phillis, was derived from the ship that brought her to America, "the Phillis." Despite being an enslaved person, Phillis Wheatley Peters was one of the best-known poets in pre-19th century America. She was educated and enslaved in the household of prominent Boston commercialist John Wheatley. Her literary talent and personal qualities contributed to her great social success in London. She married John Peters in 1778, despite the skepticism and disapproval of some of her closest friends. Phillis Wheatley became well known around Boston for her poetry, and her poems continue to be studied by historians and literary scholars due to her talented use of language. She earned acclaim as a Black poet, and historians recognize her as one of the first Black and enslaved poets to publish a book of poems in the United States.

Phillis Wheatley's poems continue to be studied by historians and literary scholars due to her talented use of language. She became well known around Boston for her poetry, and her writings were published in newspapers and pamphlets. Despite the challenges she faced as an enslaved person, she earned acclaim as a Black poet and influenced the colonies with her eloquence and biblical language.

Phillis Wheatley's legacy extends beyond her literary achievements. She overcame challenges and adversity to become a poet of note, leaving a lasting impact on American literature and history. Her life story is a testament to perseverance, excellence, and the power of the written word.

Key Achievements of Phillis Wheatley:

• Overcame enslavement and adversity to become one of the best-known poets in pre-19th century America.

• Published a book of poems in 1773, becoming the first enslaved Black poet to do so in the United States.

• Influenced the colonies with her eloquence and biblical language, earning acclaim as a Black poet.

Phillis Wheatley's story is one of resilience, creativity, and literary excellence, and her contributions to American literature continue to inspire future generations.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Yannick Lyons

Poll