Langston Golf Course was the perfect location for this festive celebration. Paulette Savoy, president of the Wake Robin Golf Club, the oldest African-American women's golf club in the United States attended the event. Savoy said it was the Wake Robin and the Royals Golf Clubs that led the lobbying effort for the U.S. Interior Department to build a golf course in the District where African Americans were allowed to play during this highly segregated time. In 1939, Langston Golf Course opened as a nine-hole course and Stroman was one of the first to play the course when it opened.
Nyles Smith, 40, head golf professional at Langston, talked about how humble Stroman is given his age and all that he has accomplished.
"We always approach him as, 'how are you Mr. Stroman,' and he comes back at you and says, 'I'm fine, but please call me Dave,'" said Smith. "Every time he comes here I go and shake his hand, it's very inspiring to see him here and how he interacts with the people, we are all very appreciative of Mr. Stroman, or Dave as he insist we call him."
Stroman's wife Pamela, 92, is very active and says she likes to do a lot of her own yard work. She still remembers the day she and Dave met at the Bureau of Engraving where they both worked.
"Back then I always wore a flower in my hair when I went to work and one day Dave said good morning to me and that he liked my flower, but tomorrow wear a different flower. The next day I wore a white flower in my hair and that's how our relationship started," said Mrs. Stroman. "We have been together ever since and in December of this year we will be celebrating our 62nd wedding anniversary."
Golf was always a part of their family's past time. Mrs. Stroman remembers traveling with Dave on golf trips and when their children were old enough, taking them to golf tournaments up and down the East Coast. She credits golf with keeping his mind sharp, stating, "golf is like playing cards, you have to keep your mind on what you are doing."
Tayloria Stroman, 56, said, "We are really blessed, my father has worked all of his life and has been here for us and has supported us. He is a man of good character. He is so popular. We are celebrating here at Langston and later, we will have another celebration at our home in Northeast for his friends from the neighborhood."
The crowd sang in unison "happy birthday" to Stroman, and when asked "how old are you," Stroman proudly sang out, "I'm 100 years old, I'm 100 years old."