Huntington, WV Black History

Pete Goodson

Director/A. D. Lewis Center

Henry ‘Pete’ Goodson grew up in Huntington.  He attended Barnett Elementary School, Oley Junior High School and graduated from Huntington High School.  In 1969, he was drafted into the US Army, where he served in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Germany. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, and the National Defense Ribbon.

He worked for Action, Inc. as the Canteen Manager from 1972-1974.  The Youth Council raised money and operated a canteen, arcade, and record shop store on 16th street and 8th avenue and Pete formed and ran the Scott’s Summer Basketball League from 1972 -1984.  He worked at A.D. Lewis Center from 1974-1984 as the Executive Director.  During this time, he also attended Marshal University and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology-community development.  He attended graduate school for one year and would later go back to college to complete his master’s degree in religious education. He touched the lives of many young members of the community and is credited with having made a difference in many of their lives.

For almost 30 years, he has worked as a Work Force Development Specialist, Re-entry Coordinator Professional in Prince George’s County providing an array of services to the unemployed, non-custodial parent, incarcerated, veterans and the homeless population, helping them access the services they need to be successful and thrive.

In addition to his professional work experience, in 1989, Pete was ordained a minister and he and his wife, Margaret, began their ministry “Faith by works Outreach, a non-profit organization, which provides meals, jobs, and support services to the homeless men, women, and children in Prince George’s County shelters.

In July of 2015, Mayor Steve Williams named a portion of 8th Avenue and 17th Street the Pete Goodson Way.

Pete enjoys spending time with his family, watching good movies, listening to gospel and jazz music, walking in the park, and playing one on one basketball (he calls it ’me ball’) were he always wins.

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