BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — 7 News is remembering the life and legacy of a true difference-maker in the Buffalo community.
Constance B. Eve passed away Tuesday. The 91-year-old paved the way for many here in Western New York, founding the Women for Human Rights and Dignity Organization more than 40 years ago.
7 News' Pheben Kassahun had the honor of learning more about her, whom many addressed as "Mrs. Eve," from those who knew her best.
Constance B. Eve will always be known for her dedication to the Buffalo community.
Kassahun sat down with her mentee, Eunice Lewin, who shared her fondest memories of Mrs. Eve, having met the community pillar when she was just 24 years old.
"At that time, I did not understand what it meant to have a mentor. I always kept thinking about what she said, 'Be like a sponge. Learn all you can.' And that's how our relationship began," Lewin said.
Constance B. Eve, a West Virginia native, graduated from high school at 15 years old.
She then acquired her bachelor's degree in drama and English at West Virginia State College, received her Master of Arts Degree at New York University, and advanced work in speech education. She taught at various colleges, including English at Erie Community College.
"Her passion for public service was remarkable," said Lewin. "There was something about her being very special, the way she spoke, her pronunciation. Whenever she did anything, it was grand. Her intentions were never minimal."
However, education was not the only realm she made an impact in.
Mrs. Eve launched Women for Human Rights and Dignity in 1980. Her goal was to help single mothers and incarcerated women facing challenges like poverty, mental illness, or lack of education rebuild their lives.
Cheryl Fuller was a part of the program for 18 months. She says she was about to serve jail time when she heard about Mrs. Eve's organization.
"I wrote a letter, and I got accepted. They believed in us and gave us the structure to do what we needed to do. All we had to do was have the desire," said Fuller. "We went to church on Sundays. The women that qualified, went to school. If we didn't go to school, there was always something for us to do, she had us volunteering. It was always something uplifting."
