02/08/2020
I am announcing this with excitement and an equally heavy heart as I am still grieving the loss of my mother.
Today is her birthday.
Every year I’d go home to Memphis to see her and give her a gift. She didn’t desire any. But it was nice to show my appreciation to her and to make her smile.
This is the first birthday we have spent away from each other since I’ve been on this earth.
And I know that I can’t give her anything, so I hope that this can serve as a gift to her this year and beyond.
She was born and raised in Orange Mound, in Memphis TN and dedicated her life to the service of other people.
I did not fully realize the great impact that she had, until her homegoing where people told story after story of the work she did.
From starting a community group in Orange Mound teaching young children, feeding them every day, to devoting the rest of her life to being a care giver.. she was truly a woman of service.
Every time I would come home to do a community service project for one of my program, she would smile and say “You are truly doing God’s work”
So I want to continue that work.
With this scholarship in her name.
For the upcoming 2020-2021 academic school year and beyond, The Barbara J. Harris Scholarship will be presenting scholarships to Melrose High School students!
The mission of this effort is to empower + assist Orange Mound students seeking higher education.
We both attended and graduated from this historic school and it is an honor to give back in this way.
I have connected with MHS, but if you know a graduating senior who attends Melrose, please have them to apply.
3.0 Cumulative GPA, 3 letter of recommendation and an essay are all required.
Specific details of those logistics are listed within the application. (Link in bio)
Recipients will be announced on Class Day.
Mama, I hope that somewhere in eternity, you are feeling, looking and smiling at this. I only seek to help our Orange Mound community and to honor you while doing so.
It gives me great joy to continue the work that you did and to continue your legacy.
Happy birthday, mama.
I hope this tops all of the gifts I’ve ever given you.
With love,
-Your daughter, Jeneisha.
