Meet Detroit’s own Aurora Harris published poet, educator and community activist. In 2009 Harris received her Master’s degree in Social Foundations of Education, with a concentration in Cultural Studies, from EMU. Her EMU journey began in 2005 when she became a Community Fellow, in her award she was allowed enrollment in a class and from there she was encouraged to enroll in a graduate program. As a honors graduate student at EMU Harris was able to be a involved with Phi Delta Kappa International Professional Association. She was also graduate assistant working as the Editorial Assistant for Educational Studies: A Journal of the American Educational Studies Association.
To reach success like Harris having a strong group of encouraging people is key. “First, I give credit to my parents, grandparents, and great grandparents for stressing the importance of education. I have a supportive network of relatives, friends, educators, and activists that taught me the importance of preserving history and culture, having faith, and being involved in social justice work,” Harris said.
One particular faculty member (and not to mention, former Dean of the College of Education) comes to mind when Harris recalls her time at EMU, Dr. Vernon Polite who unfortunately passed away in early March this year. “I was saddened by the news that Dr. Polite passed away. Some of the things that I will always remember about him is that he was a kind, dedicated, supportive, and accessible educator,” said Harris. Dr. Polite’s encouraging words like “You are an honors scholar. Do you know how important you are? You have the ability to impact so many lives,” and “You will get a Ph.D.” You’re going to get a Ph.D right? You have come so far, you can go the next step,” may have been few but they made a tremendous impact on Harris’ life.
“Part of my success is being able to recall the faces of educators who believed in me, the respect I received as a student, and the positive words they said to me, whether it was in a meeting or some comment in passing. For me, a few words of encouragement, guidance, or support from established educators to future educators or administrators in any field of study really seals the meaning of what educators in the Civil Rights Movement said: Reach One, Teach One!” Harris said.
Harris believes it is important for her to be recognized as a minority honors scholar. Currently Harris is focused on writing her book of poetry and preparing herself for various events around t he Detroit area. Below is a video or Harris reciting poetry and a list of appearances that shewill be making in the metro Detroit area
Video of Harris Reciting Poetry.
The poems in the video are from a larger manuscript written by Harris about her being ill and not receiving proper treatment because she was without medical insurance and unemployed. The video was sent to President Obama and VP Biden requesting that they use it for their health care reform initiative. It was also sent to Senators in the House of Representatives .
Calendar of events
June 12th– 2nd Annual Wayne County Community College Global Women’s Conference, at the Northwest Campus, Detroit 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Harris will be on the panel discussing Women’s Empowerment with panelists Lolita Hernandez and Dr. Sharon Oliver
For more info visit http://www.wcccd.edu/pdfs/Global%20Womens%20Conference%2010%20FINAL.pdf
June 19th– Great Labor Arts Exchange, Detroit
Harris will be presenting at the conference
For more info visit http://www.laborheritage.org/?p=1309
June 22nd – Detroit’s US Social Forum Cobo Hall, Detroit between 6 p.m. -8 p.m.
Harris will be reading her poetry
June 23rd – Hart Plaza Amphitheater Stage, Detroit 1:00 p.m.
Harris will be reading her poetry.
July- Saturday at Broadside Press Institute of Cultural Studies, at the University of Detroit-Mercy McNichols campus, Detroit
Harris will be teaching with Broadside Press
August 12th -14th – Writers and Poets conference, Idlewild, MI
Harris will be presenting For more info: www.idlewildconference.homestead.com
-Written By Jessica the Intern
Wow Auntie Ro…..that poem truly moved me to tears. I had to go in the bathroom at work because I couldn’t stop crying…..
I can say sister, poet, activist I feel your pain, it is so intense to me that I ache. My heart has ears and my eyes full of tears considering the state of heath care in America and your personal situation! I remember before our former governor John Engler left office during his earlier years. This was published in the newspaper a woman needed her heart medicine and he and his administration cut that medical funding and she couldn’t get her medicine. I watch people working in their seventies to pay for health care and medical bills, all of this saddens me and I have more horror stories. Some of these people barely could move, what happened to America? America is the only country in the world that profits off of people’s pain and illnesses. What happen to ‘ freedom form want, freedom from fear, freedom of religion; thees guarantees that made America great and how about the ‘ Hippocratic Oath. Peace!!!
Great interview Aurora!
As you know you’re one of my favorite people, poetess, & activist! Ill health is big business in American for those capitalizing off people’s misery, pain, and sickness from the hospitals, pharmseutical corporations, to health insurance corporations. It’s the main reason physical education was replaced with soda pop & candy vending machines to produce crops of unhealthy children who in turn become unhealthy adults; another testing ground for experiments!
Keep up the great work!
Stay Strong!
Peace, “MO”
wonderful and poetic!!!
best,
clc, esq.
Ms. Harris-
I would like to first congratulate you on receiving your Master’s Degree in Social Foundations of Education just last year! Your poem was very well articulated. My heart goes out to you and the personal pain and frustration you have experienced.
My prayer in your behalf is, “The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
John Taylor,
School Social Worker
[…] If you missed her profile, written by yours truly, check it out here: http://emugoldalumni.wordpress.com/2010/06/10/140/. […]
This is powerful and like many others here, it is painful, it is hard and it is real…we can not continue to ignore what is starring us in the face. And we can not stop out physical pain either…this is something that needs to be read, heard and I am so glad that you sent it to certain politicians it needs to go further send it to some republicans that are so dead-set against health care and the tea party who know nothing of tea parties you have done here what poetry is meant to do and that is move, inspire and hopefully change thank you so much