If you were among the precious few attending the homecoming celebration for George T. Harris at the Black Lady Theater in Brooklyn last Sunday and were not aware of who he was, by the time the services were over you knew how indelibly he was connected to East New York and several precincts beyond. “He was a strong, determined fighter,” said Daoud Abeid, a Reiki Practitioner and healer who knew Harris for many years, “and there was no better evidence of that when he told me he was ready to cut off his foot.” After it was done, Abeid said Harris told him, “I can feel my foot though it’s not there.”
And Harris, 48, who died on Dec. 13 from complications related to diabetes, high blood pressure, and other illnesses, was capable of feeling for those well beyond his reach, according to the number of friends and relatives recalling his brief but productive life and legacy.
“In late 2003, George began to face complications from diabetes while living in Fort Greene,” said Rachel Watanabe-Batton, his then partner, who read his obituary to the crowded theater. “Losing part of his leg in 2004, he continued to battle on through health challenges and to move toward fulfilling his dreams in spite of setbacks and stays in the hospital.”
Among Harris’s accomplishments, which were quite impressive, was his role in revitalizing the Downtown Manhattan fashion scene and the resurgence of Brooklyn’s Fulton Mall. “George brought authentic flavor to the flagship stores he helped launch including the boutique Soho Adidas Original store welcoming hip hop artists like Missy Elliot to feel at home, and helping those seeking his bold styling skills,” his obituary read. From the training he derived as a student at the High School of Art & Design and the Leadership programs at City Kids Foundation, Harris was a creative and innovative force, whether in music, art, fashion, or merely teaching children to play chess.
Many of the testimonials captured the essence of the man, and they spilled with passion from Marshall Murphy, Emmanuel Gray, Stacy Gray Kenneth Montgomery, Shamal Davis, Quinta Harris, and Percy Henry. Even the musical tributes embodied his influence and compassion with Chris Rob and Imani Uzuri, who presided at the ceremonies, offering their renditions of “A Song for You” and “Afro Blue,” respectively.
The love and outpouring of sentiments and memories were indicative of how embedded Harris was in the community, and how much his soulful presence will be missed.