Vaughn Ambrose, front center, sits with newly installed officers of the Departmental Progressive Club Jan. 9 at the DPC headquarters in Old Town.
The Departmental Progressive Club, one of Alexandria’s oldest and most storied African American civic institutions, recently celebrated the installation of its newest officers. Founded in 1927 as a service and social organization for African Americans during segregation, the DPC continues to honor its legacy of community uplift, fellowship, and leadership.
At a ceremony held on Jan. 9, the club formally installed its new slate of officers before members, city officials, and community leaders. Vaughn Ambrose was sworn in as President, with Sheriff Sean Casey performing the installation of officers.
“I am excited to be a part of this historical organization in a place of leadership,” said Ambrose, who has been a member of the DPC for several years. “It’s been a wonderful experience for me because everyone has opened their arms, guided me and mentored me. Now I will be in a position to guide and mentor the next generation of Departmental Progressive Club members.”
Joining Ambrose in leading the organization are Anthony Dale as vice president, William Campbell as financial secretary, Robert Goss as assistant financial secretary, Scott Price as treasurer, and Christopher Harris as house committee chairman.
Board Members sworn in include William Chesley, Robert Worthy, John Chapman, Donal Goff and Lester Simpson.
“We have a strategic plan to recruit younger members,” Ambrose said. “We want to reach out to the younger members of the community but also part of the plan is leaning on the community to spread the word of the good that the Departmental Progressive Club has done throughout the history of the city. We need drum majors to go forth and tell the story of how many members have been immortalized in the city of Alexandria.”
Dale served as master of ceremonies with DPC chaplain Quardriscos B. Driskell providing the invocation and benediction. Mayor Alyia Gaskins was in attendance and delivered remarks before Ambrose took to the stage.
A renowned jazz saxophonist and local music teacher, Ambrose performed a musical selection before the official swearing-in took place.
Following the program, Ambrose outlined his vision for the future, affirming a commitment to both preserving the DPC’s traditions and enhancing its operational strength.
“We are looking to start our capital campaign, to lean on the community to help us return the Departmental Progressive Club building itself back to greatness,” Ambrose said. “While we are still trying to grow our membership, we think about all the things the Departmental Progressive Club has done for the community and now we’re going to ask the community to support us. We want the building itself to stand for another 100 years for those young people who have not yet become members and for their grandkids. We are going to ask the community to invest in that vision with us.”
www.DPC1927.org