Gathering by the headstone (Photo – Jennifer Hall Lee)
The 200th birthday celebration of Ellen Garrison Clark included the unveiling of two new headstones for her husband, Harry Clark and her sister, Susan Garrison Johnson.
By Jennifer Hall Lee
The well-attended ceremony started in the Sunrise Chapel at the Mountainview cemetery in Altadena and included a performance from African drumming group, S.H.I.N.E Mawusi, and an invocation by Reverend Jerred McDaniel of the First A.M.E Zion Church. Jane Brackman, president of the Altadena Historical Society, spoke and said that it was “amazing how much people have taken an interest” in Ellen Garrison Clark “as a result of Altadenans coming together” and recognizing this important woman.
The Pasadena Questers El Molino Chapter provided the funding for the new headstones and Dr. Kathleen Lesko was instrumental in the funding.
A reading of the biography of Ellen Garrison Clark by Lynndi Scott and Clara Hill-Williams with quotes seemed to almost bring Clark to life for all of the attendees.
Vice Chair of the Altadena Town Council Executive Committee, Victoria Knapp, said “This lovely event, coordinated by life-long Altadenan, Veronica Jones, ensures that the history and legacy of Ellen Garrison Clark, her husband, Harvey Clark, and her sister, Susan Garrison Clark, are honored and will now be remembered into perpetuity.”
Altadena Town Council member Veronica Jones was recognized for relentless drive to bring to life the forgotten stories of African Americans who are an integral part of our vibrant community.
Susan Garrison Johnson headstone (Photo – Jennifer Hall Lee)
[This article has been updated to mention the Pasadena Questers El Molino Chapter. Nov.20, 7:30 pm]
I wish you had mentioned Pasadena’s Questers El Molino Chapter, who was the main funder of the two new headstones and the program event. Two members of the Questers spoke at the event. Dr. Kathleen Lesko was the project director from the Questers who worked closely with Veronica Jones on all aspects of the project. Dr. Joan Branin is the current President of Questers El Molino. “Continuing the Legacy of Ellen Garrison Clark” was the Questers 2023 Preservation and Restoration Project.”
Article has been updated. Thank you.