Uncrowned Community Builders

One of six children born to the late Deacon John Hackney, Sr. and the late Mary J. Hackney, a Baptist Missionary, Dorothy smiles and often responds "in my genes"Ã? when complimented for any and all achievements. Dorothy began her life journey on January 20, 1928 in the City of Buffalo, New York. Following her matriculation in the Buffalo Public School System, Dorothy entered Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, where she received a Batchelor of Arts Degree in 1950. She majored in journalism and English. Dorothy also attended Graduate school at Canisius College.

During the summer of 1949, Ms. Hackney was employed by the Buffalo Evening News, which published her series on Slum Clearance. Following her graduation from Kent State, she returned to the News as a free lance writer, but chose to pursue other employment that afforded her a steady paycheck. Ms. Hackney was married on May 10, 1955, however, upon the termination of this union she elected to resume her maiden name.

Dorothy was employed by Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation for nearly 44 years. She retired as an investigator in 1994. Dorothy considers her most cherished possession to be the plaque she received from fellow employees, during her retirement party. She was commended for her efforts in securing, improving and bringing hope to the minority workers at Niagara Mohawk.

It was not surprising when the call for freedom rang out that Dorothy joined that throng of patriots who marched on Washington, D.C. with the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dorothy reflects on this event with pride and humility, "I stood in his presence when he delivered his I have a Dream speech."Ã? Ms. Hackney is a life member of the NAACP.

Because of her journalism background Dorothy was invited, in 1963, to join Arthur O. Eve and others in the establishment of a black publication in Buffalo. As one of the founders of The Challenger Newspaper, Dorothy is pleased to have contributed to a publication that remains a vital force in our community to this day. Being of service to all man kind is more than just a motto to Dorothy who is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She is recognized as a "Golden Soror"Ã? whose membership exceeds 50 years. As a member of the local chapter, Gamma Phi Omega, she has held many offices. She served for four years as Anti-Basileus (vice-president). She was also elected first vice president during her membership with the Coalition of 100 Black Women.

A devoted Christian, Ms Hackney has maintained membership with the Trinity Baptist Church since childhood. Through the years, she has served as church pianist and choir member, served on the pulpit committee and as president of the Pastoral Support Society. Her life experiences include a trip to the Holy Land where she was baptized, for the second time, in the Jordan River by the late Rev. Dr. Bennett W. Smith.

On Saturday, April 7, 2001 Dorothy was recognized, along with Rev. Smith and others, as an "Angel"Ã? by the Women for Human Rights and Dignity. She was honored for her philanthropic efforts in support of this organization. Dorothy is a contributing member of the YMCA, the YWCA, the Afro American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier, Inc. and the Buffalo Historical & Erie County Society.

Dorothy believes that there is no better way to greet the day than by communing with nature and meditating while taking a two mile walk. Locally known as "The Road Runner"Ã? because of her fast paced walk, Dorothy begins each day in this manner.

She also enjoys playing scrabble as a member of the Buffalo Scrabble Club and received an award while playing in the National Scrabble Tournament. A world traveler, Ms Hackney has visited 31 countries and 5 continents. In the summer of 1986, Dorothy traveled to England with the Automobile Club of Buffalo. The group left aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 and returned home on the Concorde. This was the first and only time this plane landed in Buffalo, New York. Dorothy says the trip to England aboard ship took 4 or 5 days, but the return flight took only 5 to 4 hours.

Dorothy has booked passage to travel to South American and Antarctica in January 2006. This will fulfill her life long dream to visit all seven continents. Ms. Hackney wishes to be known as a Christian traveler, who each day finds mystery and hope through her belief in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.