Uncrowned Community Builders

Edith Brown was born in Wilson, North Carolina on April 15, 1931. She was the youngest of six children.

In the early 1950ââ?¬â?¢s she moved permanently to Buffalo after having visited one of her siblings who had been living in Buffalo. She enrolled in Erie Community College and received an Associateââ?¬â?¢s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She obtained employment with the Erie County Department of Social Services. She also tutored and mentored for the Opportunity Development Corporation.

On April 9, 1977 Edith fell four floors down an elevator shaft and was seriously injured. The doctors at the hospital declared ââ?¬Å?if she lives for 24 hours, she will live in a vegetated state for the rest of her life.ââ?¬ Edith was given the last rites of the church. However, through the help of God, her children and her own determination, within one year, Edith recuperated. From that point on, she began her quest as a Church leader and community volunteer.

Edith is a faithful working member of New Mt. Ararat Temple of Prayer. In the past she has served other churches. She served two terms as a Trustee at White Rock Baptist Church. She initiated mid-week prayer service for Mt. Ararat Baptist Church. She received the Ambassador For Christ, Inc. Award for initiating the ââ?¬Å?Food Basket for the Needy Programââ?¬. The Roll Call of Bible Women of Jordan Grove Baptist Church presented her with their Outstanding Service Award.

She has served as Board President of the Community Action Organization (CAO), Second Vice President of the Buffalo Branch NAACP, Secretary for the National Caucus Black Aged, member of the Emslie YMCA Choir and Bible Study and volunteer for Erie County Family Service Food Reach-out Program. For 27 years she served as President of the Erie County Child and Family Services Senior Companion Program.

In 1980, Edith Brown began volunteering for the Buffalo Branch NAACP. She became an NAACP Life Member, serves as Church Work Chairperson and Branch Chaplain. Also, she works with various committees and volunteers in the office. The Buffalo NAACP, recognizing her Community Service, presented her with their Annual Daniel R. Acker Community Service Award. In addition to her other awards, she received the Mary B. Talbert Civic and Cultural Clubââ?¬â?¢s Community Service Award along with many awards and certificates of appreciation from various churches and community organizations.

Edith Brown is the mother of Paul, Sidney, and Sharon. She is the grandmother of twelve grandchildren.