Uncrowned Community Builders

Thelma Griffin was born in Hamilton, Ohio on April 9, 1902 to Annie (Watson) Nixon and Alfred Nixon. She attended the public schools of Hamilton, and graduated from Hamilton High School in June 1920. Thelma was often the soloist at her community church while growing up. She was able to play the piano and sing quite well. She had a beautiful soprano voice.


Later, she attended Ohio State University where she joined the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and met the love of her life, Aaron L. Griffin. They were married in 1929, after Aaron received his degree. The marriage took place in Gary, Indiana. Mrs. Thelma Nixon Griffin worked as Superintendent of Lake County Children's Home until Aaron received his Master's Degree from Ohio State University.


After the birth of their first child, Logan Alfred, born December 27, 1933, they left for Dayton, Ohio where their second child Laura Ann was born, November 16, 1937.


In 1943, Mrs. Griffin and family arrived in Niagara Falls, New York; where Aaron had accepted a position as Executive Director of the Niagara Falls Community Center. The family flourished in their new city. There was much to be done. Mrs. Griffin became active at St. John's AME Church and later became a Sunday school teacher. She also sang in the choir. Mrs. Griffin was quite busy but she was always a warm loving mother who stressed education, character and determination to her children.


Mrs. Griffin was a great asset to the community. She had a sincere desire to help others and promote strong family ties. She was concerned about the welfare of children and their parents. She was active in
the civic, social, educational and economic life of the community. Mrs. Griffin was a woman of Style, Charisma and Grace.


In 1950, ten concerned Black women in Niagara Falls and Buffalo came together to decide how they could make a difference in their communities. It was a time of great need for the Black community. Thus, the Niagara, Buffalo Chapter of the Links, Inc. was chartered. Thelma was the first Corresponding Secretary of the chapter. Their motto was "service thru friendship" In fact, these women were already friends. They promoted a scholarship fund and membership campaign for the Niagara Community Center, promoted the interest of the United Negro College Fund and raised $2,800.00 for the Cancer Campaign. This was done by working hard to help others and yet enjoyed the friendship of each other.


Mrs. Griffin was very active with the Niagara Community Center and the Niagara Falls Chapter of the Links, Incorporated when she became ill and passed away, September 24, 1953.


Unfortunately, Mrs. Griffin did not live to see her son, Logan Alfred graduate from Harvard University to become a medical doctor or her daughter, Laura Ann Griffin Pleasant as a principal in the Niagara Falls
School System. Dr. Logan Alfred Griffin passed September 1, 2015