Written by Tanya Terry
Featured photo: When Dr. Tiffany Quinn (left) and Dr. Darcele Robinson (right) honored Dr. Alfreda Riley with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Riley was so touched she couldn’t stop crying.
Dr. Alfreda Riley has been involved in community service for over 30 years in many different ways.
“Even when I was a young girl, there were other kids that other younger people would say not to associate with because they were stinky, or this or that,” explained Riley. “But those were always the people I was attracted to: the people that other people wanted nothing to do with. I was always attracted to the outcasts.”
When she was a member at Holy Ghost Ministries, located on Addison St., in Flint, she was appointed by the leadership as director over Vacation Bible School. She organized the bible school and invited adults and children during her early time in ministry because of her love for helping people.
According to Riley, it’s love for those who are less fortunate, who may be hurting, or who simply lack confidence that has fueled her to keep serving others through the years.
So, when Riley’s friend, Dr. Tiffany Quinn, asked her if someone else could speak at the Women’s History Celebration Riley hosted this year at Genesys Conference & Banquet Center, Riley had no idea she was going to receive the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Darcele Robinson, founder of the Donation With Love Foundation, was the person behind the opportunity for Riley to receive the prestigious award. Riley told the Courier she had met Robinson a year earlier, but she did not know her well. Yet, Robinson revealed to Riley that she had been keeping her eyes on Riley and her commitment to community service.
“I just broke down and cried,” Robinson told the Courier of her experience in receiving the award.
“I was absolutely blown away because I had no inkling..It’s rare that I’m speechless. But I was speechless. I couldn’t stop crying. I was amazed, and I just felt so blessed. I just had no idea.”
Most of Riley’s community service has taken place in Flint, the city she was born and raised in. However, Riley said outreach is “a part” of her.
“But I take outreach wherever I go,” Riley said. “When I’m outside of this city, it’s inside my heart. So, I’m reaching out to people outside of the city of Flint as well.”
Riley was with WFLT 1420 AM for over 12 years until her husband died. For 30 minutes a day, she would minister to the listeners and have guests who would share good news.
She is now known as the host of her own podcast: “Dr. Riley’s Podcast” where she interviews community members who are interested in marketing their businesses or working to otherwise make a difference.
Although Riley is passionate about broadcasting, she cares about much more!
Riley remembers going to convalescent homes by herself to minister to the residents there, sing to or with them and pray for them.
She was appointed as the coordinator of the Women Minister’s Support Group many years ago in the 1990s.
She learned she loved to host tent meetings, which she called “Overcomer’s Conferences.” There, people were invited to eat and share their testimonies. Riley helped give away clothes and enjoyed encouraging the people she encountered through the meetings.
She also ministered at River Village Apartments, in Flint, for seven years. There, she and other women she invited would minister to the residents of the complex once a month.
As she did last year, Riley will host All Souls Matter to God this year at New Jerusalem Full Baptist Church at the corner of Carpenter and Saginaw. At the event, held in the church’s parking lot, there was a tent, tables, music and food. Riley again helped pray for people, along with helping to give away diapers, which will be done along with praying for children and families this year.
“I believe that when you make a difference for other people, God always makes a difference for you,” Riley said.
