Kenneth Harris grew up in Baltimore City, and throughout his life he worked to give young people a better chance at success. That is how friends and former colleagues say they will remember him.
Harris' brother-in-law released a statement on behalf of his family today, saying, ‘We are overwhelmed with unspeakable grief at the shocking -- and senseless -- act of violence that took away a devoted husband and father, and one of Baltimore City's brightest stars. During this time of tragedy, we ask for the prayers of our city, for which Kenneth worked so tirelessly and loved so deeply.’
When Harris wasn't sitting on City Council, he could be found coaching youth baseball in Baltimore's Northwood neighborhood. Marshall Megginson grew up with him. ‘i want to send my condolences first to the family, and his wife and the kids and all. Hey what can I say -- I'm just shook up right now,’ he said.
Jim Staton broadcasts from WEAA 88.9 FM, the radio station run by Morgan State University, Harris' alma mater. ‘I was on the air this morning when my wife called me and told me she had seen this on the news, and it just took all the starch out of me because it just should have happened, it just should not have happened,’ he said.
Former colleagues say Ken Harris was more concerned with making Baltimore City better, than with politics. ‘This is tragic and this is like family for all of us who were members of the city council and legislature because this is someone who fought against crime and who wanted the city to be safer,’ said State Sen. Catherine Pugh, who served with Harris on City Council. ‘For him to be a homicide victim is something that I'm still trying to grasp; that Ken Harris, my friend is the victim. It's unbelievable,’ added former councilman Keiffer Mitchell.
After a crime that's shocked the city, there is hope that the causes Ken Harris fought four, won't be forgotten. ‘Ken was a good man. He fought for Northwood, the community and it's a shame he had to go out like this,’ Megginson said.
