History Moment: The Origins of Earth Day

By Monica M. SmithFriday, May 5, 2023

In honor of Earth Day, which is celebrated annually on April 22 in the US and in many other countries, today I would like to share a Rotary history moment about the origins of the event. I will quote primarily from a blog post written by my National Museum of American History colleague Joan Boudreau.

“What would you have done if you saw your river burning? The Cuyahoga River that runs through the northeastern corner of Ohio was so polluted in the 1950s and 1960s that fish populations were decimated because of the river’s oily, industry-produced pollution. In 1969, with a spark from a train traveling nearby, the river began to burn.

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Membership Chair '25-'26 Brian Blum Inducts Daniela Rodas as a new member of the Rotary Club of Washington DC.

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Daniela Rodas | International Projects – Migration | Project Assistant, IOM

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Originally the only staff member at WUDL, David Trigaux now oversees all of WUDL programming and its development efforts. He wears many hats around the WUDL, ranging from coach training and curriculum development to grant writing, volunteer management, and fundraising. He works with the Board to determine the strategic direction of the organization. Under his leadership, the
organization has grown from just over 100 students to serving thousands each year.

A former high school and college debater, David has coached debate for more than a decade. While he believes that the greatest benefits of debate aren’t tied to wins and losses, his students have achieved competitive success along the way, including many qualifiers and break-round participants at the Tournament of Champions, NFL/NSDA, NCFL, the UDNC, and UDL MS Nationals (6x time champs). He’s also coached a multinational team to an international title to the International Space Society’s spUN Debate Program. Many of David’s former students have been awarded college scholarships for debate.

Outside of WUDL, David has worked in local and national politics as a consultant, researcher, and campaign staffer. He’s worked to develop an international debate and civic discourse curriculum, served on the Board of Directors for Pay our Interns, a non-profit dedicated to advocating for paid internships in the public and private sector.

David was named one of the National After-school Association’s Next Generation Leaders for 2019, and completed CityBridge’s Design Studio Incubator, Louise Burrell Miller cohort for new program design centered around ESL Debate.

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David Trigaux | Enriching our Local DMV Youth and Community at-large thru Debate | January 7, 2026

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Past President of the Rotary Club of Washington, DC gives a brief history of the Rotary Foundation of Washington, DC and makes an ask for contributions.

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Past President Lynn Holec | Rotary Foundation of Washington DC Appeal

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Ben Ali is an entrepreneur, community leader, and motivational speaker committed to elevating lives through business, advocacy, and empowerment. As a driving force behind the iconic Ben’s Chili Bowl, Ben’s Next Door, and Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation, he has built on his family’s legacy while using his platform to uplift others. From expanding a historic business to working with nonprofits addressing gun violence and systemic challenges, his work reflects a deep commitment to progress, unity, responsibility, and self-determination.

Through his book ASCEND, speaking engagements, and mentorship, Ben is walking in his calling to challenge Black men to break detrimental generational cycles, reclaim excellence, and lead with purpose. His mission is clear: to help others rise beyond survival and ASCEND toward lasting wealth, wisdom, and legacy.

A native Washingtonian, Ben attended Shepherd Elementary and Georgetown Day School before heading to the University of Pennsylvania. For over 27 years, he has been married to Sonya Ali. Together, they have twins, Jaleel and Suraya. Sonya helps lead operations at Ben's Chili Bowl, and the Ali family's deep-rooted commitment to the city shines through their business and community engagement.

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Ben Ali, Transformational message of faith, discipline, self-mastery & economic empowerment 12/10/25

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DC Rotary Foundation board member and Washington, DC Rotarian Natalie Korytnyk Forrester gives a brief description of the DC Rotary Foundation including how to contribute.

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Natalie Korytnyk Forrester | DC Rotary Foundation Update | December 10, 2025

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