On November 2, 2022, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom.
President Marilyn Nevy Cruz called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Deputy-Secretary Debbie Peters led the introduction of guests and visiting Rotarians.
Sergeant-at-Arms Lola Perez recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week and offered words of wisdom.
James Corey presented his Member Moment.
TRF Chair Sterling Hoffman urged members to donate to The Rotary Foundation.
President-Elect Lisa Cohen gave a recap of the Rotarians for Equality for Black People committee Fall 5k Walk/Run.
Linda Keene-Solomon made an announcement to the Club requesting a host for our November 23rd speaker, Adventina Emmanuel who will be traveling all the way from Tanzania to speak to our Club.
Fellowship Chair Mary Goldsmith reminded everyone to buy tickets for the holiday party on December 8th.
President Marilyn presented Debbie Peters with her Blue Badge.
President Marilyn presented the Interact Club of Richard Wright Public Charter Schools with a 2022 World Interact Week Certificate of Recognition and said a few words highlighting our continued partnership with the Interact Club and school.
President Marilyn Nevy Cruz introduced the speaker, Dr. Marco Clark. Dr. Marco Clark is a well-respected educator, forward-thinking innovator, exemplary author, polarizing public speaker, and veteran in the world of urban education. Dr. Clark currently serves as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Richard Wright Public Charter Schools for Journalism and Media Arts in Washington, D.C. In addition to his work as Founder and CEO, he is Chairman of “Man the Block,” an organization focused on providing safe passage for students to and from school.
Dr. Clark serves on the Board of Trustees for the Beta Psi 1923 Foundation. Dr. Clark continues to be an advocate for various youth groups, civic organizations, and other nonprofit organizations focused on restoring trust in public school education.
At age 10, Dr. Clark became a spelling bee champion. Ironically, by age 11, a guidance counselor labeled Dr. Clark as a functional illiterate. This label disrupted his educational journey for many years. However, it was that label that eventually sparked Dr. Clark’s fight against illiteracy and the need for student development and worldwide advocacy. Through the unwavering support of his parents, Dr. Clark was able to make it through high school and go on to Clark Atlanta University, where he met a professor, Dr. Johnny L. Wilson, who recognized his potential, believed in him, and helped him shape his educational path and platform for the years to come. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a minor in Secondary Education from Clark Atlanta University, Dr. Clark went on to earn a Master’s degree in Special Education from Coppin State University, a Master’s degree in Education Administration from Goucher College, and a Doctorate in Higher Education from Morgan State University. By the age of 34, almost 25 years after being labeled as a functional illiterate, Dr. Clark emerged as a noted educator and scholar.
Dr. Clark has been featured in JET magazine, The Huffington Post, and The New York Times discussing his battles with reading as a youth and his educational reform efforts to fight against world illiteracy and community issues throughout the country.
Many political figures have acknowledged Dr. Clark’s ability to offer a fresh mix of traditional and contemporary approaches to motivating troubled youth and mobilizing communities. Historical icon, the late Congressman John Lewis (Democrat for the 8th District of Georgia) exhorted Dr. Clark’s unique ability to identify with students sparking their desire to achieve.
Dr. Clark has received numerous awards and appeared on hundreds of talk shows, as well as serving as keynote speaker in various venues across the country. Dr. Clark also serves as the Education Contributor for Patty Jackson’s Re-Wind Show on WDAS 105.3 FM, Philadelphia. Dr. Marco Clark is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and a continued advocate for educational and social change. His motto is “You can’t beat a person who is determined to win.”
President Marilyn presented Dr. Clark with a certificate for a planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program.
Sterling Hoffman conducted the raffle but the Ace of Spades was not drawn.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM.
Salvador Farfán was the Zoom producer and
Steve Liston was the producer in the room.