"Our goal is to have this organization serve as a parachute for kids who fall through the cracks."
- Doris J. Harris, Executive Director

Louis Edward Harris: A Legend Gone Too Soon

Born December 22, 1947 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; he was affectionately called "Lou" by family and friends. He received his formal education in the Philadelphia Public School System and graduated from South Philadelphia High School. He went on to acquire his Associate's Degree from the Community College of Philadelphia. Later, Lou enrolled in the United States Marines where he received an Honorable Discharge for his tenure as a dedicated serviceman.

With a genuine concern for his community and through utilization of his many skills and experiences he had while serving in the US Marines, Lou decided to enroll in the Philadelphia Police Academy and became a police officer in the 35th District. He served until 1993.

While serving his city and community, Lou met his best friend and wife - Doris Johnson, they were married on June 30, 1984. Together, they jointly raised five children creating a strong and loving family.

After retiring from the police force, Lou began to focus his energy on making his community better. He became an active committeeman on the 50th Ward's Democratic Executive Committee. While serving in this capacity, Lou worked the polls on election day; attended local community meetings; and became a major resource for accessing social services and local, state, and federal government assistance to his neighbors, family members and friends. He participated in anti-drug marches; anti-violence vigils; led community clean-ups and was a member of Northwest Neighbors Against Graffiti.

In addition, Lou was a tireless, dedicated and unwavering supporter of local elected officials in his Northwest Philadelphia community. Namely, Councilwoman Marian Tasco and State Representatives Dwight Evans and LeAnna Washington.

Having taught himself the in and out of computers, he became a genius well versed in computer technology. He always found a way to share his skills with others. He repaired them; developed program books; managed large databases; designed business cards and letterheads; created materials for churches, businesses, community organizations, politicians or anyone seeking his assistance.

Lou served as the Executive Director of the Inter Community Development Corporation (ICDC), where he spearheaded the revitalization of West Mount Airy homes needing repair. He engaged youth to be involved in this activity by providing them access to training in home repair under the auspices of skilled laborers.

Shortly before his passing, Lou served as the Executive Director of Project HIM (Health Initiatives for Minorities) at a local youth organization. While serving in this role, he developed programs in local schools; recreation centers; churches; and other venues to educate African American youth about the importance of HIV/AIDS and other STDs. He traveled across the country to share the techniques and strategies that made Project HIM so successful under his leadership. He was one of the founding members of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness & Information Day. He consistently demonstrated his willingness to learn new ways to engage African American youth in positive activities that would enrich their lives while enhancing the quality of life in the community at large.

Lou battled profusely with a terminal illness - bladder cancer. Having defeated the disease once, it reoccurred and God in His infinite wisdom plucked Lou from this Garden of Life to be in another His Garden of Angels. During his last moments in the hospital, Lou's spirits remained high and he still found strength to reach out to his beloved family and friends to give them comforting words of inspiration.

In his lifetime, Lou remained a committed husband; caring father; loving grandfather; tireless and devoted worker; unwavering supporter; dedicated friend; and a pillar of the community. He was a family man whose favorite past-times included spending time with his grandchildren; caring for his mother; listening to jazz; traveling and collecting African/African American artwork.

Philadelphia won't be the same without Lou, but neither will the life of all those he touched. The organization is committed to seeing his dream being fulfilled.