Hattie Green was honored during the African American Leadership Society (AALS) of United Way of Anderson County at their 3rd Annual Black History Dinner on February 8 at Tucker’s Restaurant in Anderson.  She received the Community Legacy Award which recognizes a pioneer in the community, who through the years has fought, worked, advocated, and produced change through their community service, their voice and their dedication.

Hattie has been a fixture in Belton, South Carolina for 80 years.  Her positive influence on the Belton community and Anderson County and on many people who live here and elsewhere has been significant.  She has worked tirelessly to improve the City of Belton and promote harmony and unity in the community.

Hattie was born on September 10, 1928 in Simpsonville, South Carolina.  She and her family moved to Belton when she was 9 years old.  She attended Rosenwal School and later graduated from Geer School in Belton after the 11th grade.  Hattie was married to Gilbert Green before his death and has 6 children, 30 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren and 12 great, great grandchildren…plus numerous “adopted” children who claim her.

She has worked for a number of Belton families and for Belton First Baptist Church as the church meal coordinator on Wednesday nights and other special occasions.  She also volunteers to prepare meals for numerous civic and church organizations, senior citizen groups and other elderly and sick church and community members.

She became the first African American elected to the Belton City Council representing Ward 2 in 2002 and continues to serve on the Council today.  She is semi-retired, but continues to work with her children to prepare meals for individuals, groups and those in need.  Hattie will celebrate her 90th birthday on September 28.  She enjoys travelling extensively with her family and remains active in the Belton community.

Hattie Green’s service to and positive influence on the Belton area goes far beyond what can be put on paper.  She continues to serve Ward 2 on the Belton City Council where she has missed only one regularly scheduled City Council meeting in 16 years.  She pushed for improved sidewalks and water, the City hospitality tax was adopted, and the Standpipe, Belton’s landmark, was refurbished.  During her time on City Council the recreation and parks program has expanded significantly, including the remodeling of the Belton Armory for a community center and the renovation of the tennis courts, soccer and baseball fields and a concession stand/press box with restrooms at Leda Poore Park.  Hattie continues to push for the renovation of the downtown area, has seen major improvements take place at City Hall and is a strong supporter of Senior Solutions at the Zion Center in Belton.

She has been a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church over 50 years where she served as a Sunday School teacher, Secretary of Sunday School, Outreach Festival Committee Chair, Senior Choir member, Deaconess, Missionary member, and Flower Committee member.  She worked at First Baptist Church of Belton as the meal coordinator on Wednesday nights and other special occasions for over 20 years.

Hattie is a long time member of the Ladies Auxiliary to Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Thomasena Order of Eastern Star and the Belton Lions Club.  She served as a Girl Scout Troop Leader and has volunteered at the Zion Street Community Center and Senior Solutions.  Hattie was named the 1996 Anderson County NAACP Woman of the Year, was honored as a Lifetime Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 2006 and received the 2010 Boy Scout Appreciation Award.  Governor Henry McMaster presented her with the Order of the Silver Crescent Award for her service to the Belton community and the Belton Alliance dedicated a bench and marker in her honor at the trail head of the Belton Rail Trail in May of last year.