Florence E. Jackson-Frazier

Florence Jackson-Frazier, M.S.W., has long been recognized for her advocacy on behalf of children and families, and is a legend in the Capital Region. She is an historic civil-rights and social-work leader in her region and beyond.

The Huntington Station, Long Island native began her career in civil service at the age of 19. She raised a family and pursued studies part time, earning a Bachelor’s degree from Siena College. In 1972, Ms. Frazier received a Master’s degree in Social Work from Rockefeller College (now the School of Social Welfare) at the University at Albany.

As both a community leader and social worker, Ms. Frazier has championed the rights of the disenfranchised and disadvantaged. During her years as an employee of the NYS Department of Mental Health, she helped to establish the Capital District Psychiatric Center. Ms. Frazier’s work with numerous foster care agencies in the region aided children whose family situations required they be placed in caring, nurturing homes. While on the board, her involvement with an ad-hoc committee of the Council of Community Services resulted in the creation of the Urban League of the Albany area and, subsequently, the founding of the League’s Street Academy, an alternative high school for youth with academic and behavioral challenges.

Ms. Frazier has served as President of, and remains active with, the Albany District Links, Inc., and the M.C. Lawton Civic and Cultural Club, known nationally as providers of civic and cultural support to children, families, communities and organizations. She is also known for her work with the Legal Aid Society, the Visiting Nurses Association, the Albany City Human Rights Commission, the Albany Dispute Mediation Program, the Arbor Hill Community Center, and numerous other community organizations.