Uncrowned Community Builders

Nellie B. King was raised in a rural area called Foxworth near Columbia, Mississippi. Her professional career of more than 35 years has centered on school life, serving school communities as a teacher, Elementary School Principal, Principal of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, and Superintendent.

In 1965, Ms. King earned a B.A. degree in Social Studies from Alcorn A and M College in Lorman, Mississippi. Later she earned a Master of Science degree in Education from Canisius College in Buffalo. She obtained a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from the University at Buffalo in 1974. In addition, she is certified by the Buffalo State College in Social Studies, School Administration, and Supervision.

During her nine-year tenure as Superintendent of the Lackawanna City School District, Ms. King developed and initiated the Kids in Spotlight Program, Lackawanna Center for Family Achievement and the District Model Aids Program. During the 1998-1999 school year she researched selected School District Strong Arts Education and Humanities Programs across the country for the United State's President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities which resulted in a published report, Gaining the Arts Advantage.

On November 19, 1999, she was one of fifteen participants from around the country selected by the Department of Agriculture Office of the Secretary to participate in a roundtable discussion with Shirley R. Watkins, Undersecretary, Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services. Under Ms. King's leadership, the Lackawanna School District initiated new opportunities for student success such as Early Grade Reduced Class Size, 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant, extended Day/School Violence Prevention, and the Gear-up Program.

Her citations and awards include: National Association of Counties Achievement Award; Buffalo Ambassador; Lackawanna Board of Education Excellence Award; Community Award Buffalo Club of National Association Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc.; Edna Seay Founder's Award, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Bridge Builder's Award, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Personalities in Black History Award; United Negro College Fund Award, Distinguished Leadership; Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for Education; Elected as Outstanding president Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Great Lakes Region; Chosen as one of Buffalo's outstanding Black Women by The Buffalo Challenger Editor; Outstanding Religious Service by Council of Churches, Buffalo, New York; Outstanding Principal Award, Black Educators Association of Western New York; Woman of the Year at Calvary C.M.E. Church; Teacher of the Year Award, Lincoln Jr. High School and numerous other recognitions for service.

Ms. King is an active member in several community and civic organizations including Calvary Christian Methodist Episcopal Church; Alpha, Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Women's Missionary Council of Christian Methodist Church; World Federation of Methodist Women; Ruth Lightsey Scholarship Program, Calvary CME Church; and the Western New York United Negro College Telethon.