Portia Clark, a Green Valley civic leader who has spent decades standing up for justice in Arlington, received the newly renamed ARLnow Cup this week.
The Arlington County Civic Federation presented the award, previously known as the GazetteLeader Cup, at its final meeting for the 2024-25 year on Tuesday. Organizers recognized Clark’s ongoing role in supporting Green Valley’s character and preserving its history.
“Portia has been a steady guide during the past three decades of change and growth in her historic African-American neighborhood,” Civic Federation officials said in announcing the award.
In accepting the honor, Clark noted that the Green Valley Civic Association was the first predominantly African-American organization accepted for membership in the Civic Federation, and it has remained a steadfast member for decades.
“I really appreciate the recognition. It is an honor and pleasure,” she said at the event.
Clark’s road to civic leadership in Green Valley began under the tutelage of John Robinson Jr. and Jennie Dean. She has shared leadership duties in Green Valley for two decades along with the likes of Dr. Alfred Taylor.
Her activism aided in the creation of Jennie Dean Park and the John M. Robinson Jr. Town Square.
“The programs she founded and her civic work have focused on sustaining the long-time residents while fostering a welcoming and supportive community during extensive development and gentrification,” the citation said.
Clark has also been active in civic issues related to the broader Shirlington and Four Mile Run Valley areas. She founded the non-profit organization C.A.R.E. (Community Association of Resources for Education, Enrichment and Economics) and programs supporting students at Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School.
Additionally, Clark’s community involvement includes support of the Black Heritage Museum and the preservation of the past in a variety of ways.
“She has also contributed her personal knowledge of history and done research on the history of the community, so that the many stories of the neighborhood are not lost,” the citation noted.
Her efforts recently led to the establishment of a farmers market in Green Valley, which opened earlier this year.
The ARLnow Cup is seen as the most significant honor in Arlington civic leadership. While the name is new this year, the honor itself dates back nearly 90 years.
In previous incarnations, the award had been sponsored by four earlier media outlets: The Evening Star (1938-81), Journal Newspapers (1982-2002), Sun Gazette (2002-22) and GazetteLeader (2023-24). ARLnow’s parent company, Local News Now, acquired the GazetteLeader in 2024 and assumed sponsorship of the award.
Honorees are selected by a committee of Civic Federation leaders. Over the past decade, those who have received the award have included John Ford, Adam Henderson, Allan Gajadhar, Tina Worden, Sandy Newton, Dukes Banks III, Dennis Gerrity, Stefanie Pryor, Martha Moore and Michael McMenamin.
Also receiving awards at the meeting:
- The Aurora Highlands Civic Association, Green Valley Civic Association and Lyon Village Citizens Association received a Community Impact Award for their advocacy for community planning.
- Arlington Neighborhood Village received a Community Impact Award for its support for aging-in-place and other activities supporting seniors in Arlington.
- The Westover Day Planning Team, comprised of leaders of the Highland Park-Overlee Knolls, Leeway-Overlee, Tara-Leeway Heights and Westover Village received a Community Impact Award for planning a community celebration of the opening of Cardinal Elementary School and the associated stormwater-detention vault, and for fostering a heightened sense of community.
- The North Highlands Civic Association received a Community Impact Award for its efforts to reinvigorate the organization and for continued advocacy on planning and zoning issues and other key areas.
- Ben Watts received the President’s Award for his service as treasurer. “Important details that can cause havoc for an organization if not handled properly — we appreciate Ben’s attention to financial details and active participation as a member of the board,” the citation noted.
John Ford, who is wrapping up his third one-year term as Civic Federation president, said awards are a valuable tool in spotlighting civic leadership and thanking those who support of the organization.
“This is my favorite part of any program,” Ford said.
