improvement plans for facilities. It is so important.” Similarly, Harris launched a public safety committee and other community-focused initiatives. Equally important to his classroom education has been his deep understanding of the community he serves. He recalls one success where he ensured that West Fuquay-Varina, a lowerincome community, would receive natural gas services when previously they had been denied. He also notes that he helped lead Fuquay-Varina to become one of the first municipalities in the country to recognize the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. “I had to compromise and advocate and work hard, but we got it done,” Harris said. “We have consistently celebrated the King holiday since 1992, and I was elated to be a part of that process.” Harris deeply believes in the work he does. It shows in his role at the League, where his presidency has included building partnerships in Washington DC, and the continued growth of the organization back in North Carolina; it has shown through his teaching work, as a professor of public administration at Shaw University; and of course, it shows throughout Fuquay-Varina. He boils it down to the idea of democracy. It’s a transcendent idea, he says—something beyond normal human thinking—but it’s maintained by people like his parents, by community members like Lannie McCullers, and, though he wouldn’t outright say it, by leaders like himself. “My father came up in the Jim Crow era, and he still believed in the idea of democracy. Ma Lannie came up in that era, and she still believed in the idea of democracy. This concept, of government by the people and for the people—it has been passed on to me. “I feel fortunate to be in the public arena and to be able to push that forward.” Board Profile: William Harris continued from page 21 My father came up in the Jim Crow era, and he still believed in the idea of democracy. Ma Lannie came up in that era, and she still believed in the idea of democracy. This concept, of government by the people and for the people—it has been passed on to me. I feel fortunate to be in the public arena and to be able to push that forward. » William Harris, Fuquay-Varina Commissioner, NCLM President SOUTHERN CITY Quarter 1 2024 22
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