Uncrowned Community Builders

Alicia D. Givens describes herself as a - mother, church worker, retired educator, community worker and voracious reader. Alicia was born in Buffalo , New York at her parents' home on Madison Street in 1941. She was delivered by a mid-wife. Her parents are John and Evelyn Kemp. Alicia is a product of the Buffalo Public Schools, having attended School #75 for kindergarten and first grade and School #8 for grades two through eight. She was one of the few African American students enrolled in the college prep curriculum at Bennett High School. At the time few blacks were allowed in this program. She studied Latin for three years and also participated in the school's Drill Team and Drama Club.

Following graduation from high school, Alicia attended Buffalo State College. She earned a Batchelor of Science in Special Education and K-8 Common Branch subjects. In 1971, she was awarded a Teachers of Teachers of Teachers (TTT) National Fellowship for graduate study at the University at Buffalo . She graduated with a Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education from UB. It was during this time that she wrote a Handbook for Day Care Workers. She completed other post graduate programs at Medaille College completing a certificate in Education in Non-School Settings. She also pursued Administrative Certification at Canisius College and took additional administrative courses at Georgetown University and Syracuse University.

As an educator, Alicia had rich and varied experiences, including positions as a teacher in the Buffalo Public Schools , Demonstration Teacher, Buffalo Teacher's Federation workshop presenter, SEDRC instructor, education specialist, primary program advisor at the BUILD Academy , and special education placement coordinator. She has also been a Head Start Administrator for Erie County , Principal of the St. John Christian Academy and an instructor at Erie Community College and Canisius College.

A member of the Ira Aldridge Players, Alicia was recognized in 1961 as Actress of the Year for the role of Lutie Bell in Purlie Victorious. The play's director, Fred Keller, invited Alicia to tour with the production following the run of the play in Buffalo . She declined the offer, however, "preferring to take on the challenge of the classroom".

An active member of the Faith Missionary Baptist Church , she has served as director of the Youth Choir, Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent, member of the Voices of Faith, Chair of the Board of Directors of Faith's Nurseryland, co-chair person of the 25 th and 50 th Church Anniversaries and Vice-chair of the Trustee Board. Alicia has also served on the boards of the Western New York Food Bank and the Friends to the Elderly.

Alicia states that she's especially proud of the Young People's Reading Circles #1 & #2 book clubs which she organized for children in grades 1-5. The #1 Reading Circle has met monthly for the last three years for the purpose of reading and discussing books. In addition, each of the young women in the club has authored a book.

Alicia has held various offices in both the undergraduate and graduate chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is a charter member of Xi Epsilon Omega Chapter and was recognized as the Soror of the Year for 2005. She is also a member of The Links, Inc., Buffalo Chapter. She was a member of the Eastern Area Executive Committee and served as the Journalist for the Area. She also holds associate membership in Jack & Jill of America and membership in the Maumbusoma Book Club and Pi Lambda Theta Honor Society.

Alicia has been the recipient of numerous community service awards and is a frequent guest speaker in area churches. She has traveled extensively in the United States , the Caribbean and Europe . On a trip to Frankfurt, Germany she conducted a workshop on organizational protocol for The Links, Inc., Eastern Area.

Alicia is the proud mother of three daughters and five grandchildren. Melissa E. Givens, her oldest daughter, is a soprano who sings with the Houston Opera Company and has recorded with Austin based chamber ensemble Conspirare, First Presbyterian Church of Houston. She has recently released a solo CD, "Let the Rain Kiss You". Janessa E. Givens-Daniels is a training specialist at the University at Buffalo , wife of Dr. Jonathan Daniels and mother of three girls and Alexa Wajed, mother of two boys, is, with her husband Edreys, proprietor of Emani Kemet Enterprises, Inc.