New Documentary Honors Dr. Charles R. Drew and His Blood Banking Legacy

Iconic Excellence explores Dr. Charles R. Drew’s scientific breakthroughs, leadership and lasting influence on medicine and blood donation

WASHINGTON — The American Red Cross and NAACP have released Iconic Excellence: The Legacy of Dr. Charles R. Drew, a short documentary examining the life and work of the pioneering Black surgeon, researcher and educator whose breakthroughs helped shape modern blood banking.

The film premiered September 18 on the American Red Cross YouTube channel during Sickle Cell Awareness Month and the 85th anniversary year of Drew’s appointment as the first medical director of the Red Cross Blood Program.

The Science That Changed Blood Banking

Drew’s work in blood plasma preservation helped establish methods for collecting, preserving and distributing blood products on a large scale during World War II.

The documentary traces his path from his childhood in Washington, D.C., through his work as a surgeon, educator and medical leader.

“Dr. Drew is an unsung hero of World War II,” NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said. “His innovation made it possible for many American soldiers to come home to their families.”

Family Helps Tell Drew’s Story

Produced by the Red Cross in collaboration with Drew’s family, the NAACP and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Iconic Excellence includes members of Drew’s family speaking together on camera about his life and legacy.

The film also addresses questions surrounding the circumstances after Drew’s fatal 1950 car accident and his departure from the Red Cross.

“My father’s work in training other Black surgeons was uppermost in his mind at the time of his death because he trained a small legion of Black surgeons, who then trained another group of Black surgeons, who then trained another group,” said Dr. Charlene Drew Jarvis, Drew’s middle daughter.

Connecting the Legacy to Blood Donation Today

The documentary also connects Drew’s work with present-day efforts to increase blood donation in Black communities, including the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative.

The Red Cross reported that the number of annual donors who are Black or African American has increased by more than 89 percent since the initiative launched in 2021. More than 445,770 Black or African American donors have given blood through the effort, including more than 188,000 first-time donors.

A Film Built Around Black Medical History

Journalist DeMarco Morgan narrates Iconic Excellence. Tiffany Taylor wrote and executive produced the film, which was directed by Brad Zerivitz, with cover art by Melissa Koby.

The documentary features members of Drew’s family along with representatives of the NAACP, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the American Red Cross.

Its release brings renewed attention to a Black medical pioneer whose work continues to influence how blood is collected, preserved and made available to patients.

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