Is there a quintessential Washingtonian? Hardly. History has made clear that we’re more than our identity—more than techies or coffee lovers or outdoor enthusiasts. We’re a kaleidoscope, a cultural melting pot. We live in a place constantly reinventing itself.

Since Native Americans left the first human footprints on the landscape thousands of years ago, Washingtonians have continually risen above adversity. Today you’ll meet fascinating figures who’ve fought for our civil rights, advocated for the disabled, protected our environment, defended our nation and pushed the boundaries of innovation