Uncrowned Community Builders

Alphonso "Rafi" Greene, Jr. was born in Aniston, Alabama on May 31, 1943. His parents were Alphonso, Sr. and Lillie Mae Greene. Rafi served his country honorably in the United States Army and upon his discharge, began thirty years of community service with various organizations including: the Juneteenth Festival of Buffalo, Million Man March ââ?¬" Buffalo Organizing Committee, Buffalo Local Action Committee (BLAC), Black Leadership Advisory Commission on AIDS (BLACA), Association for the Study of African Civilization and Culture (ASCAC), It Could Happen to You Foundation (ICHTY), Save Our Selves Initiative (SOS), P.E.A.C.E. and the United Men's Black Think Tank. He was a strong support of the Buffalo Chapter of MADDAD, Stop the Violence Coalition and the Buffalo Kwanzaa Celebration Committee. His work experience, over four decades, included stints with the African American Cultural Center, S.E.E.K., Peace Corps, C.O.R.E., Paul J. Gand Construction, Horizon Health Center and some of his most rewarding work as a Counselor, Job Developer and Case Manager with Model City Projects from 1971-1981 where he worked alongside Mr. L. Nathan Hare who would later become his best friend for a lifetime.

Rafi, a devoted Christian, was also a member of True Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Darius G. Pridgen for which he contributed to the building of the sanctuary. He was very civic minded and concerned about his community advocating on behalf of the disenfranchised and actively joining community efforts to stop violence, improve housing, expand employment and community development. He also took great pride in mentoring young men and was known for his selfless acts of kindness and tireless work ethic.

In 2003, Rafi joined the Community Action Organization of Erie County Inc. as its Media Director where he served as the Resident Photographer, Videographer and Radio and Cable Television Producer for its five weekly public affairs shows. His service and unwavering commitment to Mr. Hare, the staff and the clients was truly one of a kind.

Well known and beloved as "Brother Rafi", he was the proud father of one daughter, Valerie Greene-Jones, one loving granddaughter, Desiree and his loving soul mate, Pearl M. Bolton.

Rafi is enterred at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, New York.