The Sons And Daughters of Allen th
60 Anniversary 1961 - 2021 “A Diamond Celebration:
Honoring The Past As We Continue Our Legacy”
Joan Oxendine, President Rev. William H. Lamar IV, Pastor Metropolitan A.M.E. Church 1518 M Street, NW Washington, DC 20005
Dedication In Loving Memory of Barbara Bennett and Nathaniel Exum Who transitioned during the preparation of our history and to all the members who preceded them in death
We thank God for their contributions to the rich legacy of the Sons and Daughters of Allen.
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“History is not everything, but it is a starting point. History is a clock that people use to tell their political and cultural time of day. It is a compass they use to find themselves on the map of human geography. It tells them where they are, but more importantly, what they must be.” -John Henrik Clarke
Sons and Daughters of Allen A Diamond Celebration Honoring the Past As We Continue Our Legacy
Table of Contents
Brief History of Metropolitan A.M.E. Church…………………………………….2 Pastor’s Message…………………………………………………………………..4 President’s Message……………………………………………………………….5 Pastors of Metropolitan A.M.E. Church -1961-Present…………………………...6 Biography of Current President Joan Oxendine………………………………..….8 Biography of Past President Altha Elliott…………………………………………9 Biography of Charter President LaVerne Clark Goldman.....………………...….10 In The Beginning…………………………………………………………………11 Building On Our Traditions………………………………………………………15 The Legacy Lives On……………………………………………………….…….18 Sons & Daughters of Allen Officers……………………………………………...22 Sons & Daughters of Allen 2021…………………………………………………23 Historical Membership of Sons & Daughters of Allen………………..………….24
Publication Date: December 2021
Brief History of Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church is known as “the National Cathedral of African Methodism.” Founded in 1838, Metropolitan was formed by two existing churches: Israel Bethel A.M.E., founded in 1821, and Union Bethel A.M.E., founded in 1838. The parent A.M.E. Church movement grew out of an anti-segregation protest in Philadelphia in 1787. Similarly, both Israel Bethel and Union Bethel began as a result of dissatisfaction among African Americans over racial segregation here in Washington at Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal Church. On July 6, 1838, Union Bethel received the sanction of the Baltimore Conferences of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Consequently, this date is recognized as Metropolitan’s founding date. The name Metropolitan was first applied to Union in 1870 and became official in 1872 when the Baltimore Conference authorized construction of a new “Metropolitan Church in Washington, D.C.” The name was formally changed to Metropolitan Methodist Episcopal Church by that same Baltimore Conference. In addition to designating the church name, the Baltimore Conference made two decisions that conveyed the national character of Metropolitan even then. First, the conference gave instructions for the new church to be built “in close proximity” to the U.S. Capitol and the White House. Second, each Annual Conference (in a meeting of the Episcopal districts in the continental U.S.), was requested to donate at least $100 for the building project. In gratitude, the church recognized this generosity by dedicating a stained-glass window to each contributing Annual Conference. Construction began in 1880, and the cornerstone was laid in 1881. Well before the building’s erection, the church had been known in stature and influence both locally and nationally. From antislavery leadership and the harboring of runaway slaves in the mid-19th century to AIDS/HIV education and voter registration projects today, Metropolitan has been not just a major center of worship, but also an institution in the forefront of the civic, cultural, and intellectual life of African Americans. The pioneering Bethel Literary Society began in the Church under the leadership of Rev. Daniel A. Payne, who later became an A.M.E. bishop. The purpose of the society was to spread literacy. The society also began a tradition which continues today of sponsoring outstanding literary talent.
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Featured speakers over the years have included prominent figures such as Frederick Douglass, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Mary McLeod Bethune, Eleanor Roosevelt, Joel Elias Spingarn, E.E. Just, Alain Locke, Mordecai W. Johnson, Hubert H. Humphrey, Charley H. Wesley, James E. Clyburn, Jesse Jackson and Bishop Desmond Tutu. Frederick Douglass attended regularly, and his funeral was held at Metropolitan in 1895, as was the 1898 funeral of Blanche Kelso Bruce, the first African American to serve a full term in the U.S. Senate. The funeral of A. Philip and the national memorial service of Rosa Parks were also held at Metropolitan. Beginning with William Howard Taft, several American Presidents have either worshipped or spoken at Metropolitan, including President Jimmy Carter. William Jefferson Clinton and Albert Gore attended prayer services at Metropolitan in 1993 and 1997 following their election and re-election as President and Vice President of the United States. These services were an official part of the inaugural events and the first to be held at an African American church. President Barack Obama and the First Family worshipped with us on January 16, 2011 and January 20, 2013. Ten bishops of the A.M.E. Church have been former pastors of Metropolitan. Four of the last seven ministers were elected bishops from the Metropolitan pulpit: G. Dewey Robinson; Frank Madison Reid, Jr.; Robert L. Pruitt; and William P. DeVeaux.
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Joan Wicks Oxendine
Promoting African American history was the most daunting challenge that the Sons and Daughters of Allen could have accepted. Learning our history about the African Methodist Episcopal Church and learning the history of our race has been a winner for the congregation and the community. Through readings, performances, demonstrations and talents, the history of our people -- biblical, national and international -- has informed, inspired and cultivated our African American community. Our Church School department has also begun to include African American history in their programs on Sunday mornings. Over the past 60 years we have learned and shared information about the contributions of African American men and women who played pivotal roles in our society. We have celebrated the work of internationally acclaimed figures like W.E.B. DuBois and significant yet lesser known figures such as Shirley Graham DuBois, an award-winning author, composer, activist and wife of Dr. DuBois. Today, “Critical Race Theory” has been at the center of many spirited debates. We could laugh if the consequences were not so serious. Recently on the local news I saw a reporter ask a Virginia man what he thought about the Critical Race Theory. He replied, “I don’t know what it is, but I don’t like it.” Lack of education about how racial differences have impacted the course of American history leads to ignorance, and ignorance leads to responses such as his. Whether or not high schools are introducing Critical Race Theory, which is graduate-level material, should not be the concern. Rather, we need to prioritize the teaching of African American history and culture, beginning in 1619 to the present. Knowing your history helps you understand who you are and what your role in society could be or should be. Rev. G. Dewey Robinson was ahead of his time in promoting the teaching of Black (African American) history outside of the month of February. The Sons and Daughters of Allen have accepted the responsibility to teach our history in a multitude of ways, making learning experiences that are engaging, entertaining and fun. I am proud to have had the opportunity to lead this talented group of men and women over these past 25 years. We are family in spirit. I thank God for the blessings and shared experiences we have had. I look forward to passing the mantle on to the next president who will continue our legacy.
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Pastors of Metropolitan AME Church From 1961 to the present
Rev. G. Dewey Robinson 1951 -1968
Rev. Frank Madison Reid, Jr., 1968-1972
Rev. Robert L. Pruitt 1972-1984
Rev. Roger Hall Reed 1984-1986 6
Pastors of Metropolitan AME Church From 1961 to the present
Rev. William P. DeVeaux 1986 -1996
Rev. Louis Charles Harvey 1996-2001
Rev. Ronald E. Braxton 2001-2014
Rev. William H. Lamar, IV 2014 – present 7
Biography of Current President Joan Oxendine 1995- Present Joan Wicks Oxendine was born in Beckley, West Virginia. After beginning her professional training at St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing and Howard University, Joan earned a BS in nursing from Bowie State University and an MPH in Health Policy and Management from Johns Hopkins University. After working in a variety of medical settings, Joan retired from Bowie State University as Director of Student Health Services. Apart from her nursing career, Joan has adopted many pastimes that showcase her skills and interests. A master at sewing and crocheting, she donates many of her pieces to the sick and shut in. A history buff, Joan is constantly exploring her roots. This led her to write and publish a book in 2018 called Growing Up in the United States of America: A Nurse Encounters Starvation and the Uninsured. Joan joined Metropolitan A.M.E. Church in 1968 under the pastorage of Rev. G. Dewey Robinson. Her love for helping others led her to join the Sarah Allen Missionary Society, where she has been a member for 40 years and is currently its president. A servant leader, Joan is the president of the Prince George’s County Unit of Church Women United and the Willow Wood Estates Civic Association. For 15 years, she served as president of the President’s Council. She has been honored by the Washington Tuskegee University Alumni Club and Bowie State University. Following the death of Altha Elliott, the second president of the Sons and Daughters of Allen, Joan became its third president, a position she has held for 26 years. Her motto is “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.”
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Biography of Past President Altha Elliott 1986 - 1995 Altha Rebecca Watson Elliott, born in Columbia, South Carolina, moved to Washington, D.C. as a teenager and attended D.C. Public Schools. Upon graduation from Cardozo High School, she matriculated at D.C. Teacher’s College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. She became an instructor of English and history in the school system that created her, finishing her career at Langley Junior High School in D.C. Teaching was her passion. Through her daily interactions with students at a transitional stage in their lives, she imparted to them lifelong skills. In 1956, Altha married Lawrence Elliott, and they became the proud parents of three daughters: Lauren, Benita, and Vicki. Just as she nurtured her students, she did the same for their children – always stressing the importance of education, inspiring them to become successful in their careers, encouraging them to utilize their oral, written, and creative skills. Altha became active at Metropolitan A.M.E. Church at a young age, participating in numerous activities. She and LaVerne Goldman started the Campfire Girls Troop in the early 70s. Additionally, she was a member of the Young Adult Club and sang with the MetroAires Choir. Her dedication to the Sons and Daughters of Allen was evident by the various functions she spearheaded, often involving the youth at her school and from the community. In 1986, Altha became the second president of the Sons and Daughters of Allen, serving until her death in 1995. Under her leadership, new initiatives and programs were introduced to the club.
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Biography of Charter President LaVerne Clark Goldman 1961 - 1986 LaVerne Clark Goldman, the youngest daughter of Walker and Estelle Clark, was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and raised in her family’s native hometown of Washington, D.C. After graduating from Dunbar High School, she received a bachelor’s degree from Minor’s Teacher’s College and a master’s degree from New York University. Throughout her career, LaVerne served as a special education teacher in D.C. Public Schools, and she held positions at Children’s Hospital, D.C. General Hospital, and Saint Elizabeths Hospital, providing services to youth with special needs. After retiring from the school system, she became vice president of Clark Goins Oil Company. A third-generation member of Metropolitan A.M.E. Church, LaVerne has participated in many activities in the church, ranging from her involvement in Church School, Sarah Allen Missionary Society, President’s Council, and Senior Board of Stewards. In 1958, she became a member of the Cathedral Choir and has been lending her alto voice to numerous church choirs for over 60 years. In the Christian Education Department, her skills and commitment led her to become the Washington Conference Director. She and Rev. Edgar James were co-directors of the Head Start Program, a summer project for children, and she volunteered to drive the church bus to transport local youth within the District. In 1961, LaVerne became the first president of the Sons and Daughters of Allen, a position she held for 25 years. During her presidency, LaVerne extended her community outreach to Ghana, where she and Florence James spent three months in the 1970s participating in a children’s program. The only surviving charter member of the club, she continues to be an active member of Metropolitan and serves as a role model for the church family and community. 10
In the Beginning On a Sunday afternoon, following morning service, Rev. G. Dewey Robinson, Pastor of Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, asked a small group of members to convene with him in his office. He wanted these individuals to form an organization that would perpetuate the study and celebration of our Black heritage in the church and community. Pastor Robinson also spoke of the significance of forming this club in February, since it was February of 1928 that Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Director of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, launched the first Negro History Week Celebration. The members accepted the challenge and in February 1961, a new organization emerged at Metropolitan, with LaVerne Clark Goldman appointed as president. Other charter members are listed below: Carl Bennett, Vice President Eva Raleigh, Recording Secretary Rogers Ferguson, Treasurer Nathaniel Exum Daniel Hodge Rev. Edgar James Earnestine Keaton Doris Goins Mary McBride Magoline and Damon Ramsey
Sons and Daughters of Allen, 1970s
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One of the club’s first tasks was to designate a name for the group. Earnestine Keaton suggested the Sons and Daughters of Allen in honor of Richard and Sarah Allen, who laid the foundation for the African Methodist Episcopal Church. This idea was accepted by all. It was further decided that the meetings would occur on the second Saturday of the month in the residences of club members. Black and gold were adopted as the club colors. To keep the purpose of the club at the forefront, at each meeting a member presented a Black History Moment. Historical facts were shared that uncovered numerous unsung heroes and littleknown events in the lives of Black people. In addition, the group decided to determine an annual theme that would serve as a cohering focus for that year’s activities. The club initiated an Annual Day, celebrated in the month of February, where club members served in various capacities during Sunday morning worship. Metropolitan’s pastor or members of the clergy focused their message on the annual theme. As a part of the service, the Sons and Daughters of Allen showcased the activities for the year and extended the invitation for others to join the club. On this special day, the members adorned in their black and gold hosted a reception following the worship experience.
LaVerne Clark Goldman and Danny Hodge
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The Sons and Daughters of Allen supported church activities, especially those that nurtured the youth. The organization assisted the Richard Allen Youth Council, helping them develop their social and leadership skills. Youth from Metropolitan received a monetary donation to defray some of their expenses on a trip to the Dominican Republic. Community outreach, locally and abroad, was also a paramount focus of the club. Members collected and sent 100 books to AME schools in West Africa and contributed financially to the Bonnie Robinson Memorial School in South Africa. An extremely active group, members participated in a variety of social functions, including cruises to the Caribbean, a trip to Bermuda, dinner theaters, picnics, and gatherings during the holiday season. A highlight of each year was the Christmas party, a time to fellowship, while dancing to the music of artists such as Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye. Delicious food, prepared by the host and members, was always a welcomed component of these celebrations.
The church family and friends awaited with anticipation for the club’s favorite production of the play Slabtown. Players included Daniel Hodge, Deloris Richardson, Helen Harvin, Vera Glenn, Carolyn Warner and LaVerne Clark Goldman. Audiences often commanded repeat performances.
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In 1973, at a meeting in the home of Vera Glenn, the MetroAires Choir was born from the members of the Sons and Daughters of Allen. Daniel Hodge became its director and continued to serve in this capacity for many years until his death in 2016.
The MetroAires
LaVerne Clark Goldman’s 25 years as president laid the foundation for what was to follow.
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Building On Our Traditions At the conclusion of LaVerne Clarke Goldman’s term, Altha Elliott assumed the position of president, continuing the traditions of the club and expanding its activities. Under Altha Elliott’s leadership, the Sons and Daughters of Allen formed a new group, William P. DeVeaux Young People!s Club, with the purpose of giving avenues to young males to express themselves. The youth assumed leadership positions and planned functions inside and outside of Metropolitan. To further enhance their skills, the club offered workshops, drawing on the young men’s interests. With the goal of involving young people of the church and from the community in educational experiences, the club designed and sponsored oratorical contests for students from elementary school through college. These contests gave the youth opportunities to improve their public speaking skills and develop confidence. As an incentive, participating students received saving bonds. Another activity that brought youth to the church was the Ballou High School Male Chorus in concert with Ernest Mitchell as director. To expand cultural horizons, the club invited young people to Ebony Fashion shows at the Kennedy Center and to dinner theaters. Second Vice President Consentine Morgan Groover introduced two new initiatives to the club: the Cultural Arts Festival and the African American Read In. The Cultural Arts Festival was launched in 1987 and has endured for 34 years. An intergenerational event involving individuals from Metropolitan and the community, the Cultural Arts Festival was designed with the following goals:
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• • • • • •
To showcase talents and skills To fellowship with family and friends To develop new acquaintances To support Black entrepreneurs To enjoy delicious cuisine To share cultural experiences
This day-long affair included vendors, lunch prepared by club members, and entertainment. Occasionally, guest groups and artists captured the audience’s attention, such as the educational presentation and dramatic rendition called 1001 Black Inventions by the PinPoints. More often, however, the club featured church members during the festival. The eagerly anticipated Fashion Show, which featured themes such as Hats, African Attire, Family Affair, and Black & Gold, was a perennial favorite.
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In 1991, the club introduced the African American Read-In to the community, following a national initiative to promote literacy sponsored by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). At the beginning of this NCTE project, the first Sunday in February was designated for the Read-In, and the following Monday for schools to participate. The club continues to use this occasion to encourage our youth and adults to become more aware of our culture by reading literary pieces by Black authors and/or to add to the legacy of Black arts by reading one of their original writings. Our Annual Day speakers, responsible for delivering the morning message during this era, included prominent individuals: Patrick Swygert, President of Howard University; David Hall, D.C. School President; and our own Dorothy Gilliam, journalist and author. Altha Elliott had a major impact in the development of the Sons and Daughters of Allen until her death in 1995. 17
The Legacy Lives On Following the death of Altha Elliott in 1995, Joan Oxendine became president and carried on the club’s rich legacy. Projects during Joan’s term as president continued to engage the youth, the church, and the community. The club gave assistance to the Young People’s Department (YPD), Vacation Bible School, and the Junior Usher Board of Metropolitan. Outside the church walls, the club supported the Dunbar High School “We Rise” Program, Women and Families in Need, the 105 Voices of History, and youth tutoring programs. To inspire youth to pursue and achieve professional fulfillment, the club offered symposiums and panels featuring Metropolitan members who have excelled in their chosen careers. Participants included Omari Aarons, Founder & Managing Partner, Aaron Group LLC; Gail Frazier, Administrative Law Judge; Camille Exum, 7th District Prince George’s County Council; and Barbara Bennett, Spanish teacher. Special musical artists, Aneisa Simon, Kelsey Little, Selena Brown, Duane Moody, and Carol North, were presented in concert. Douglass Hall was often used during Black History Month for displays such as the photographs of well-known African Americans by Annette BoxleyDrew and a Black History Exhibit, Black Lives Matter in 2015 by Joan Oxendine. The Sons and Daughters of Allen were privileged to co-sponsor with the Department of Interior A Tribute to Frederick Douglass.
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During this era, we also featured August Williams who helped to design the Martin Luther King, Jr. Statue in Washington, D.C. He shared his experience by providing a display and participating in a Sunday morning service. Our Annual Day has included noted speakers, including Rev. Jonathan Newton, Metropolitan Executive Minister; Vernon Jordan, Civil Rights Activist; Michael Steele, Former Lt. Governor of Maryland; Rodney Slater, former Secretary of Transportation; Rev. Gail Holness, Metropolitan Clergy; Rev. Geoffrey Tate, II, son of our members, Geoffrey and Rosemary Tate; and Dr. Cain Hope Felder, Biblical Scholar.
To broaden our Annual African American Read-In, we invited outside guests and other organizations within the church to participate in this venture. We were honored to have local author Rochelle Soetan read portions from her book, Tuesday Morning Love, followed by a book signing. In 2017, the Pearl P. Cook Senior Citizens Club joined the Sons and Daughters of Allen, conducting a Read-In during their February monthly meeting. Then in 2020, the Youth Ministry, under the leadership of Rev. Thomas Brackeen, partnered with us to gain participation from the youth. This popular program was held virtually in 2021. Beginning in 2016, we explored new territory with the Cultural Arts Festival by featuring a comedian, Simply Shirley; a poet, Ty Gray-El; and the N Tyme Jazz Ensemble. A Murder Mystery, Thou Shall Not 19
Kill, was performed by Sleuth Ink, Inc. With a new Creative Arts and Music Ministry Director, Marty Austin Lamar, we stretched our limits. He assisted us in presenting three original plays written by Vice President Consentine Morgan Groover: Ebony Lifestyle, exploring the 1920s; A Cultural Explosion, celebrating the 1960s; and 400 Years: The Struggle Continues, examining our roots to the present. The cast for all plays consisted of members of the Sons and Daughters of Allen, fellow church members and guests. As president for more than two decades, Joan Oxendine has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to keep the Sons and Daughters a vital component of Metropolitan’s ministries. She has led by example.
Throughout these 60 years, the Sons and Daughters of Allen has been a constant champion for the church, financially and spiritually. We have faithfully contributed to Restoration, Organization Day, church anniversaries, and purchases of furniture. In addition to cultural celebrations, the club has also endeavored to honor the rich history of our church. In 20
2005, the club brought attention to the chalice that was gifted to Metropolitan by Frederick Douglass’ great granddaughters in 1934 by having it dipped in silver. On May 16, 2021, in commemoration of our 60th Anniversary, we held a virtual presentation of our history that recognized the organization’s significant milestones and accomplishments. Tributes were paid to LaVerne Clark Goldman, a charter member and our first president; Nathaniel Exum, charter member; and our current president, Joan Oxendine. In honor of our second president, Altha Elliott, a donation was made to the Payne Tanner Scholarship Fund. Even though the pandemic prevented in person gatherings, we continued our monthly meetings through virtual gatherings. The members of Sons and Daughters of Allen are family and work collectively to perpetuate African American history in the church and community. It is our desire that this legacy will continue for the next 60 years and beyond. This is Our Story.
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Sons and Daughters of Allen Officers 1961 – 1986 President: LaVerne Clark Goldman Vice President: Earnestine Keaton Secretary: Eva Lofty Treasurer: Roger Ferguson Historian: Eva Raleigh
1987 – 1995 President: Altha Elliott 1 Vice President: Carl Bennett nd 2 Vice President: Consentine Morgan Recording Secretary: Barbara Bennett Corresponding Secretary: Vera Glenn Treasurer: Frances Davis Amenities Chairperson: Helen Harvin st
1995 – 2021 President: Joan Oxendine 1 Vice President: Carl Bennett (until death in 2016) nd 2 Vice President: Consentine Morgan Groover (became Vice President in 2016) Recording Secretary: Barbara Bennett (until 2018) Recording Secretary: Rosemary Tate Corresponding Secretary: Vera Glenn (until 1999) Treasurer: Frances Davis (until 2001) Treasurer: Valerie Brooks Amenities: Helen Harvin & Deloris Richardson st
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Sons and Daughters of Allen Members 2021
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Sons and Daughters of Allen Established in February 1961 by the Rev. G. Dewey Robinson Charter Members Carl Bennett * Nathaniel Exum * Rogers Ferguson * Doris Clark Goins * LaVerne Clark Goldman
Earnestine Keaton * Edgar L. James * Mary McBride * Eva Mae Raleigh * Damon Ramsey * Magoline Ramsey*
Members Who Joined After 1961 Pearl Allen # Edythe Alston # Frances Austin # Jeneal Ball Barbara Bennett * Annette Boxley-Drew Patricia Bradley # Valerie Brooks Edythe L. Challenger # Maxwell Courtney * Gregory Crawley # Frances Davis * Jannice Hodge Dean Wade Dean Mercedes Dickson James Drew Susan Edwards Altha Elliott *
* deceased # not currently active
Deborah Frazier Vera Glenn # Jean Goolsby * Consentine Morgan Groover Helen Harvin Almeta Hawkins Daniel Hodge * Sarah Holly # Gladys Jones * Leila Kendrick Eva Lofty * Charlene Marshall # Muriel Martin-Horn * Thomas Meredith * Martie Meredith # Joan Oxendine Willie Oxendine Rev. Gale Perkins * Juretta Pruitt *
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Deloris Richardson Gloria Jeanette Rogers * Zilda Rogers # Cassandra Samuel Joan Sanders Retta Sanders * Anna Sellars * Jean Sharp * Shelia Green Singletary # Brenda Taylor Skipwith * Bessie Smith * Sidra Smith-Garner Dorothy Spence * Alma Strange * Geoffrey Tate Rosemary Tate Barbara Thompson # Carolyn Warner
The Sons And Daughters of Allen 60th Anniversary 1961 - 2021 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Planning Committee Consentine Morgan Groover, Chair Annette Boxley Drew, Valerie Brooks Joan Oxendine, Sidra Smith-Garner Writers Valerie Brooks, Consentine Morgan Groover Joan Oxendine Proofreaders Annette Boxley-Drew, Valerie Brooks LaVerne Clark Goldman, Helen Harvin Almeta Hawkins, Sidra Smith-Garner Online Technical Support Sidra Smith-Garner, Geoffrey Tate Special Thanks Charles Duggard, Cover Design
Mission Statement
To Perpetuate Black History In The Church and Community
