Everybody knows... Junior Harris
Local man shows how one person can make a big difference Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008
by Stacy Sneed, staff writer, excepted from Maryland Independent

As he arrives at the store, he walks in with his black cowboy hat. As soon as he tries to remove it, the photographer asks that he keep it on - because after all, that's how people know John ''Junior" Harris (right).

The 72-year-old of Indian Head, not only kept on his hat, but he showed off one of his most cherished items - a picture of his grandson, Stephen Harris, also in a cowboy hat. But his grandson isn't the only thing he takes pride in. Harris also shows a lot of love and respect for his hometown of Charles County.

''I lived in an almost white neighborhood and had all white friends. I went to segregated schools then and my friends and I would play [sports] against black teams," said Harris recalling his childhood. ''I've been a part of the changes, not just seeing it."

At 18, Harris became a manager in 1954 of a furniture store, Ely's Furniture Store in Indian Head. It was one way that he sought to break down barriers and make changes in the community.

''I saw a change [in race relations]. It was a matter of acceptance. I just went about it in a different way than protesters. It's nothing wrong with protests, but I sought after jobs that blacks weren't given. Jacob Ely gave me the opportunity to manage a store."

His forefathers, who were all very stern on the ideas of having education, gave Harris the desire to want more not only for himself, but for his family as well.

''I worked all the way through school. And we [the family] wanted my sister to have an education, because we figured it was easier for a black man to get a good job rather than a black woman. Without education the only thing she could do is be a maid. So, I helped send my sister to college." While Harris never earned his bachelor's degree, it obviously hasn't made too much of a difference in what one person can do when given the opportunity to excel.

In 1989, Harris became the first black president of the Charles County Chamber of Commerce and served on the chamber's board for several years; helping the chamber grow to over 200 members.

''You work your way up," he said nonchalantly. Harris then spoke about one of his other loves - the Kiwanis clubs of Waldorf and Charles County and how he became involved.

''My [late] friend Robert Heier got me into Kiwanis and got me into the chamber. I'm sure it was difficult [because of race] to get me in, but in the end, Robert would joke and say, 'I thought it was worth it at the time.'"

Apparently, it was well worth it. Harris, who was recently awarded the Kiwanis Legion of Honor, has said that being a Kiwanis member is his favorite passion, hands down.

''I was the first black to belong to Kiwanis [locally]. The things that the Kiwanis members do are things money can't buy. There's nothing better than helping someone in need," said Harris. ''These are the things I've been doing in the community. What I love is to watch the kids perform in the youth sponsored Key clubs. We teach them to change the world, one community, one child at a time. You can't write a check for these feelings. I've been with the Kiwanis for 25 years and I'm still recruiting. I'm active, touching people and making things happen."

Sure enough, there's not a person Harris meets who he won't try to recruit.

"I want to get the people involved in the community. They're not necessarily new people anymore, but we have to have some sort of way to connect them to the community. You gotta feel what Charles County is all about. It's God's little special place."