Change Agent Ronald “Kwesi” Harris to Receive Inaugural Award From A Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum

As Director of the African American Male Resource Center at Chicago State University Ronald “Kwesi” Harris exemplifies the dedication, passion and warrior Spirit of A. Philip Randolph. Because of his example, he will be presented the inaugural “Community Change Agent Award” from the A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum during its 20th anniversary gala. The celebration takes place Saturday, February 28 from 5-9PM at the Historic Parkway Ballroom, 4455 S. King Drive.

In making the announcement, Dr. Lyn Hughes, Museum founder, praised Harris for the phenomenal work he’s done in uplifting African American youth. She also hailed him for his entire body of work that has positively impacted all he’s touched.

Harris’ record of accomplishments underscores why he is a change agent. As Director of the African American Male Resource Center of Chicago State University, his skilled and sensitive approach has resulted in one of the highest African American male student retention rates in University history. He achieves this goal by targeting the issues concerning the struggle that African American males confront in school. His success techniques focus on building the bridge of effective collaboration with administrators, students and support staff. With a shared mission titled, “Operation Graduation,” they advance the Chicago State University mission to recruit, retain and graduate African American male students.

As a speaker, Harris has participated in panels on character development, relationship building, social justice, environmental racism, media advocacy, conflict resolution and cultural reclamation. This model promotes healthy lifestyles, and behavior that engenders self-sustainability and leadership.

Additionally, Harris is the founding member of Chicago’s Citywide Coalition Against Tobacco and Alcohol Billboards. In this role, Harris lectures nationally against popular culture shifts that promote negative imagery. As part of this Coalition, he also champions positive youth development.

He has received critical acclaim for his community-based methodologies in specialized youth leadership development and training. Aware of the devastation caused by drugs and gang warfare, he is well known for his practice of unique strategies in reclaiming youth and adults from cycles of substance abuse and violence. Equipped with an extensive knowledge of substance abuse prevention that creates poverty barriers to education, he has instituted a community network that spans multicultural and intellectual barriers.

Prior to joining the Student Enrollment-Retention-to-Graduation initiative at CSU, Harris served for over 20 years in various roles at the Bobby E. Wright Comprehensive Behavioral Health Center on Chicago’s west side. There he also impacted and effected change.

“No one exemplifies the courage, resolve and dedication more than Ronald “Kwesi” Harris,” declared David A. Peterson, Jr., executive director of the Museum. “The way he’s made a difference in people’s lives parallels the achievements of A. Philip Randolph as he successfully forged the alliance that led to the formation of the first black union, The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. As the first recipient of this Award, Kweisi is the ideal person because of the standard he has achieved and the example he has set. We encourage the public to come out on February 28 and pay tribute to this warrior, Ronald “Kwesi” Harris.”

To purchase tickets, log on to http://www.aphiliprandolphmuseum.com/special- events.html

For more information, contact: Melody M. McDowell – 312-371-8917 or 773-888-6881