Uncrowned Community Builders

Alice Hayes came to Niagara Falls in 1935 with her husband, Dr. Charles B. Hayes, who died in 1961. Dr. Hayes was the city's first black physician. The couple had one child, E. Marie Hayes-Davis.

A native of New York City and a graduate of Hunter College, Mrs. Hayes plunged into community leadership at a time when few black men and virtually no black women were known outside the black community. Alice Hayes was the organizer and charter member of the Niagara Falls Chapter, The Links Inc., which was chartered in 1950.

She was a past president of the board of directors of the Niagara Community Center and Girls Clubs, a past director of Family and Children Services. She was also a member of the corporate board of Memorial Medical Center, and a board trustee of the United Way of Niagara, and many other local and national organizations.

Mrs. Hayes was a social worker for the city in the 1930's, served as technical director for the 1960 Niagara County Census for about two years and headed her own insurance firm.

In 1966, she accepted a position as executive director of NiaCAP. At the time, she was chairman of the commission. In July 1968, she resigned the position following a personal dispute with the board. Three other NiaCAP employees resigned with her.

In 1973, Alice hosted a weekly radio show, "Black Potential" for WHLD radio station. Her influence reached far beyond the black community. She worked on the Salvation Army Advisory Board and in several drives at Memorial Medical Center. She always made very substantial contributions, not only in her expressions or her thoughts, but financially, and through the contribution of her time.

She was interested in youth and established a scholarship fund for black youths. She interviewed and encouraged countless black city youths and minority adult leaders on the weekly radio program.