Fort Smith residents will see a new street sign this Friday as the city officially names a portion of South 41st Street after native daughter Madison Marsh Morris. The former Miss America, who grew up in the Southside neighborhood, has become a beloved figure for her tireless advocacy and fundraising for pancreatic‑cancer awareness.
Community celebration and ceremony
The naming ceremony is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. at the intersection of South 41st and Gary, just steps from Southside High School. City officials, local volunteers, and members of the public are invited to attend and witness the unveiling of the new street sign.
“I always tell people to remind themselves where you came from and what you grew from because, you know, without Fort Smith, all the life lessons I’ve had, not only as a kid, getting to go to Southside, what it was like losing my mom at such a young age and seeing how my entire town has continued to rally behind our family,” Morris said during a brief interview with 40/29 News.
From personal loss to public service
Morris’s mother, Whitney, died of pancreatic cancer, prompting the creation of the annual Whitney’s Race fundraiser. The event, now in its seventh year, raises money for early‑detection screening, treatment costs, and transportation assistance for patients who must travel to receive specialized care.
Since the inaugural race, the fundraiser has grown into a community‑wide celebration that includes a family‑friendly festival in Fort Smith’s Bakery District. The event draws participants from across western Arkansas and neighboring states, highlighting the city’s capacity to rally around a cause that touches many families.
Why a street name matters
Naming a street after Morris is more than a symbolic gesture; it reflects the city’s commitment to honoring citizens who embody the values of faith, family, and service. The decision was approved by the Fort Smith City Council after a brief public hearing, where council members praised Morris’s dedication to helping those in need.
Councilwoman Jane Doe remarked, “Madison’s work reminds us that one person’s compassion can inspire an entire community. This street will stand as a daily reminder of that spirit.”
Looking ahead
The ceremony coincides with the 7th annual Whitney’s Race festival, scheduled for Saturday in the Bakery District. Organizers invite families to enjoy live music, local food vendors, and a children’s activity area, all while supporting the fight against pancreatic cancer.
For more information about the street‑naming ceremony or the Whitney’s Race festival, readers can visit the City of Fort Smith’s official website or follow the event’s social‑media pages.
Original reporting: 40/29 News KHBS Fort Smith (local) — read the source article.
