Building interdependence across generations

Hermena Rowe was born December 29, 1929 in Bamberg, South Carolina, a staunch community activist. Working alongside leaders such as Ennis Francis, Bernice Bolar, Bea Ellis, Vivian Waller, Noreen Clarke, and Percy Sutton, she helped bring about many positive changes to the social and political climate of the Harlem community.

She worked at the Center for Early Childhood Programs and with the East Harlem Scholarship Program, where she was instrumental in awarding scholarships to many deserving minority college students.

Mrs. Rowe served on several Harlem community boards, including Haryou-ACT, Neighborhood Board #4, the Board of Family Planning, Planning Board #10, and the Addicts Rehabilitation Center (ARC). A devoted member of Christian Parish for Spiritual Renewal since 1955, she served on the Ladies’ Service Guild and carried many responsibilities within her church. In December 2005, Hermena passed on to glory after a lengthy illness.

Her life of service is the blueprint for everything we do.