Biography of Charter President LaVerne Clark Goldman

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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:

• 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.

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.