Uncrowned Community Builders

Sylvia Ann Barlow-Little was born in Talbatton, Georgia, the daughter of the late Rev. and Mrs. W.H. Smith of Columbus, Georgia.


She graduated from Spencer High School in 1947. In 1956, she graduated from Trott Vocational School, in the L.P.N. Program and continued her education at NCCC, Niagara University and Upstate Medical Association. She attended Emory James School of Music for Voice Training.


She was employed in numerous capacities, among them: An L.P.N. at Memorial Medical Center; Music Instructor in Georgia and New York State; Director/Coordinator with the Upstate Medical Regional Hypertension Screening Program; Sickle Cell Testor; and self-employed retail/restaurant business owner.


Her community involvement includes, to name a few, Founder and Organizer of the First Chapter of the Niagara County Black Achievers Award Committee; past President of Area 1 Community Preservation Corporation; City of Niagara Falls Economic Development Zone Board; Organized and Co-founder of the St. Vincent DePaul Center, Organized St. John A.M.E. Church and Native American Food Bank.


Her church involvement included organizer of and supervisor of the St. John Youth and Young Adult Choir; Former Minister of Music at St. John; former Secretary of the Board of Stewards. She is founder and past president and remains an active member of the Amal Ahiman Club.


Among her community honors include the Caritus Medal from Niagara University, Niagara Falls Human Rights Commission Alberta Louise Lounsbury Award, WHLD Tops Good Neighbor Award, Niagara County Black Achievers Founders Award.


She was married to Fred Little, Sr. She is the mother of Chris Patton, Phyllis Sanchez, and William George Hall. She is the grandmother of six and sister of Evelyn Washington.