With a kiss from his wife, Annette, and hug from his son Kenny Jr. the family of former City Councilman Kenneth N. Harris Sr. said their final goodbyes Thursday to the activist and outspoken advocate gunned down Saturday during a robbery at Northeast Baltimore Haven jazz club.
Several thousand mourners joined the family at the Morgan State University Fine Arts Center to remember the life of the 45-year-old man who dedicated his life to his family and public service.
“Ken had amazing grace,” said Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger. “He spoke for people who had no voice.”
“He was an extraordinary leader who changed to lives of those around him,” said Dr. William Benjamin, a friend and mentor. “When you motivated him, he motivated you back.”
His daughter Nicole said Harris was a doting father who worked hard to give her what he lacked growing up.“I could still see the pain in his eyes from not having a father around,” said Nicole. “I’m just thankful I had him in my life.”
Harris’ mother, Sylvia Harris, said her son was born to be a leader, recalling the prophetic words of her mother uttered just after Harris was born.
“My mother said, you know what, he’s going to grow up to be a statesmen,” she said.
Political leaders from around the state were on hand to mourn Harris, including Gov. Martin O’Malley, Comptroller Peter Franchot, Sen. Ben Cardin, and former Rep. Kweisi Mfume. Also attending were past city council colleagues, including Councilman Robert Curran and former city councilman and mayoral candidate Keiffer Mitchell Jr.
Noticeably absent from the funeral was Mayor Sheila Dixon, who has been out of town all week.
“She is with her family today, but she spent a good chunk of the weekend with the Harris family at their home,” said Dixon spokesman Sterling Cilfford.
Despite the absence of Dixon many city officials attended including city police chief Frederick Bealefeld and fire chief James Clack.
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