Southport honors women who shaped the city

Southport is celebrating the women who have made significant contributions to the city's history. The City of Southport and the Southport Historical Society are presenting 'Celebrating Women Who Made Southport' throughout March.

Banners will be displayed across downtown Southport during March, each recognizing a woman for her dedication, leadership, and service. These honorees represent diverse fields including education, healthcare, business, and civic leadership.

Nominations are open for new women to be honored with banners during Women's History Month in March 2027. Last year's honorees will be featured again along Howe Street, with a limited number of new banners to be added.

Notable women highlighted include Kate Stuart, known as the 'Heroine of Smithville' for saving a child from drowning and for her efforts to prevent the county seat from moving to Bolivia. Melissa Wortham Jackson, or 'Aunt Malissa,' was a respected midwife and one of the largest landowners in Brunswick County, who also built a church on her land that became Brown’s Chapel AME Zion Church. Sarah McKenzie Evans Moore was among the first African American women in Southport to earn a high school diploma and dedicated 45 years to teaching Black children in Brunswick County.