Uncrowned Community Builders

Minnie L. Woods was born on December 31, 1932, in Thomasville, Alabama. She is the oldest of eight children born to the late Mr. Collins and Mrs. Bertha Woods. She received her early education in Mobile, Alabama. In 1950 she graduated from Central High School.

She also attended Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama. In 1953 she was pledged into the Beta Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She graduated on May 17, 1954, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education, and the same month The Reverend Ralph David Abernathy united her and the late Perry G. Harris in marriage, and to this union, two children were born Toni Lynne and Kevin Todd, Sr.

Before her career in the field of Education, Mrs. Harris was employed as an Engineering Clerk with the New York Telephone Company. In 1966 Mrs. Harris began teaching English Language Arts at Bishop O'Hern High School; she also taught at Woodlawn Junior High School; P.S #82 and at Hutchinson Central Technical High School where she was one of the first African-American Educators. She received her M.S. Ed from Canisius College in 1972. She retired in 1994 after having taught for 28 years.

She has been very actively involved with the Gamma Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. serving on various committees, as an Undergraduate Advisor, and Chaplain. In 2003 she was the recipient of the Ouida Clapp Distinguished Sisterhood Award.

An active member of Saint John Baptist Church for more than 60 years, Mrs. Harris has served on The Board of Christian Education, The Bereavement Committee, The Good Shepherd Society, The Women's Ministry, and The Early Morning Prayer Ministry. She was also active with the Sunday School Department, The Gospel Chorus, as well as The United Mass Choir.