From “The Flame” (ARUMC United Women in Faith newsletter)
The City of Fort Smith recently announced naming North 9th Street in honor of Euba Mae Harris-Winton.
Euba Mae Harris-Winton (June 26, 1923 – March 11, 2019) was a dedicated community leader. She was born to Rev. D.H.E. Harris and Martha T. Hill Harris. Her father was the first black minister on the Board of Trustees of Philander Smith College. Harris-Winton continued her family’s legacy of leadership and service.
In 1970, Harris-Winton opened the Mallalieu Community Center, which focused on minority groups and low-income families. She served as its executive director until 1997, aiding immigrants from Cuba and Vietnam as they adjusted to life in the United States and helping low-income families achieve educational and employment goals. Harris-Winton was also the first black delegate elected from the former North Arkansas Conference to attend the United Methodist General Conference in 1980 and served as president of the North Arkansas Conference United Methodist Women from 1986-1989. Her exceptional leadership earned her the Ethel K. Millar Award from Hendrix College in 1988.
Shortly after her passing, Senator John Boozman honored her on the Senate floor, stating, “I was honored to know Mrs. Euba and will personally miss her example, kindness, advice, and willingness to help others. She was a rare individual who never stopped fighting to improve the world.”