Uncrowned Community Builders

Henry Washington Self is the son of Israel David and Pattie Wright Self. He was born on January 25th in Starkville, Mississippi. Henry graduated from Henderson High School and attended Mary Holmes College and Grambling College, where he majored in Business Administration. After college, he was drafted in the United States Army and served for two years in Military Aviation. He was honorably discharged after completing his tour of service.

Mr. Self moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he was employed as a proofreader and office manager for Philately Firm. He was later employed by the Philadelphia Housing Authority. He resigned as Regional Manager to accept a position of Supervising Field Manager with the New York State Urban Development Corporation. The region covered the territory from Western New York to the Mid-Hudson Valley.

He established his own business, H.W. Self Management, Ltd. and serves as President of the company. Mr. Self is the first African American in New York State, outside of New York City, to earn the professional designation as a Certified Property Manager. He is also a Licensed Real Estate Broker.

Mr. Self has been involved in the community in numerous organizations. He is the past president, the first African American elected to this position in the 75 years of the Kiwanis Club. He was the first past president to be elected for a second term and was twice elected as Division Lt. Governor of the Kiwanis. He was named Kiwanian of the Year, at both the club and Division level. He was a KPTC Fellow ââ?¬â?? Childrenââ?¬â?¢s Hospital Pediatric Center and in 2006 received the Kiwanis Club 20 year club perfect attendance award. Mr. Self has also served a two year term as President of the Food Bank of Western New York and provided leadership to raise funds to build the organizationââ?¬â?¢s Administrative Office. Eighty percent of the financial goal was met in nine months of the campaign. He is also the past Board Chair for the Salvation Army.

He is a member of Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church and services on the Administration Council; Finance Committee; Staff Parish Relations Committee. He chaired the successful fundraising drive to restore the church.

He has received the Distinguished Service Award from the Food Bank of Western New York; Heritage Award from Kiwanis International; Distinguished Service Award from the United Negro College Fund and the Life in the Child from Kiwanis International.

Mr. Self and his wife, Lennie, live in West Amherst. He is the father of three adult sons and the grandfather of five.