Seasoned Saints: Community Organizer, Mrs. Valena Henderson

Seasoned Saints is a series of stories on Atlanta seniors who have helped shape the way the city is seen through local media, community activism, and a national lens. These stories are representative of Black History Month and the people who helped make Black history every day. Some are well-known the world over, while others’ names might only ring a bell within their respective communities. Black history is all around us.-D. Suggs, Editor in Chief, The Atlanta VoiceScreenshot‘Life’s a Puzzle’Upon entering the Mechanicsville home of Mrs. Valena York Henderson, one can’t help but notice how many family and personal framed photographs she has on the walls. Understanding full well that this isn’t unusual for any home, the photos at Henderson’s home are a bit unique. Along with photos of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, the photos also have former United States President Bill Clinton, former United States Vice President Al Gore, and former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell in them.At 104 years old, Henderson has met plenty of people during her career as a community organizer. Her impact on several neighborhoods in her native Atlanta continues to be felt. A mother of seven children, six daughters and a son, and...