A Tribute to Constance B. Eve: Honorable Community Leader and Beloved Queen Mother
Constance B. Eve
Constance B. Eve made her transition to this life on March 26, 2024 at the age of 91. Her homegoing service was held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral located at 139 Pearl Street. The community mourned this distinguished Queen Mother who gave so much to the city and the nation by helping women and children through her organization “Women for Human and Rights and Dignity Inc. (WHRD) that she founded in 1980.
She used her personal and community resources to improve the lives of formerly incarcerated women. The program later included a women’s residential resource center in 1985 and a center for vocational education in 1987. A Dignity Circle and Dignity Village was developed with 20 homes and supportive services for single parent heads of households.
Mrs. Eve was married to former Deputy Speaker of the New York State Assembly Arthur O. Eve for 68 years. This columnist remembers the tremendous support that he gave to his wife. Whenever I attended the Women for Human and Rights luncheon, he was there speaking in support of her many projects.
Mrs. Eve has been honored with hundreds of awards and recognition here in Buffalo and throughout the nation. She has been honored by various media outlets including Jet Magazine and the 1998 issue of Essence Magazine. She held many community positions in political, civic, and professional organizations including the Buffalo Chapter of the Links, Inc. and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. In 2023, she was named the Juneteenth Inaugural Queen for embodying grace and the spirit of what the Juneteenth parade and celebration represents. In 2011, it was my honor and privilege to present Mrs. Constance Eve with the Roses for Outstanding Women’s Award. Her biography was featured in the Roses Award book. Her work as an educator and community leader will always be recorded in the list of outstanding women in our community.
I have many personal memories of Mrs. Eve. The last time I saw her and talked to her was at the dedication of the mural at School #61 on Leroy Avenue with the painting of her husband engraved on the wall outside of the school. She gave me a hug and with that familiar smile she extended a warm greeting. When I first started writing my column ‘Eye on History’ I was invited to her home for many gatherings. It was during this time that I met many of the leaders in politics and community organizations in our community. She always welcomed me. It was in 1989 that I received the greatest surprise of my life as a columnist. It was during the luncheon for the Women’s for Human Rights Dignity that was held at the Buffalo Convention Center. Mrs. Eve called me and invited me to interview the luncheon speaker. To my surprise, the speaker was the wife of Malcolm X, Dr. Betty Shabazz. I only had about 20 minutes to prepare for the interview. As I drove to the Convention Center I was thinking of what questions to ask Dr. Betty Shabazz. When I entered the room I had several questions. I have written about this many times in my column, Eye On History. I am very appreciative of Mrs. Eve for thinking about me for the interview. It was one of my first interviews that was so historical. This was a moment in my life that I will never forget!
Mrs. Constance Eve was born in Havoco, West Virginia to Robert Bowles and Georgia W. Bowles. She was a graduate of West Virginia State College in English and Drama.
She earned a Masters of Arts Degree, from New York University and advanced work in Speech and Education. She was a Professor Emeritus in English. She went on to work in many areas of education for many institutions of learning. Mrs. Eve leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved husband of 68 years, the Honorable Arthur O. Eve, one daughter, Leecia Roberta Eve; four sons: Arthur O. Eve, Jr., Eric Vincent Eve, Martin King Eve and Malcom X. Eve.
In closing, I would like to leave a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, the poet, essayist, philosopher, and abolitionist from the 1800s who wrote the following: “A person who lives a purposeful life is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to live a life that makes a difference in the lives of others.”
Mrs. Constance lived a purposedful life and she made a difference in the lives of so many others. This Columnist would like to send my condolences to the family of Mrs. Constance Eve. May she Rest in Heavenly Peace and Power among the arms of the angels!!