Jackson Free Press

Instead of only recognizing African Americans in February each year, Barbara Ann Harris Johnson decided that African American accomplishments should always be honored. Through her column, "Black History Every Month," which appeared monthly in the Jackson Advocate, she upheld that belief.

Johnson, who wrote under the name Barbra Harris, passed away on Sunday, July 4, at age 57 after a short battle with cancer.

Earnest McBride, Jackson Advocate contributing editor, says Johnson played an important role in documenting the history of people and events in Jackson.

"She struck me as being very professional and dedicated to the work and cause of her neighborhood and city," McBride says. "She was dedicated to getting out the truth about black history."

Harris worked at the Jackson Advocate for more than 25 years where she wrote a series of stories on African Americans and features on health and public issues. While working there she also served as layout technician, circulation manager, contributing and staff writer, news director, and sport, features and managing editor. Her coworkers and editors considered her a lead historian and trusted her when it came to the hard historical facts.

Harris also wrote for the Memphis Tri-State Defender, Southern Christian Leadership Conference and BlackVoices.com.

A native of Hazelhurst, Harris was second of eight children born to James W. Coleman in 1953. Harris married Cornelius Johnson in 1996, and had three children. She also had three stepdaughters by marriage.

In 1973, Harris received her certification in general office procedures from the Jackson Training Center. She returned to school in 1987 where she earned a bachelor's degree in mass communications from Jackson State University.

Harris also helped raise money for charitable causes in her Midtown neighborhood. She often brought children to baseball games and helped fulfill educational needs at Brown Elementary and Rowan Middle School.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association Martin Luther King Committee, the Salt and Pepper Men's Club, the West Jackson Social and Civic Club and the North Midtown Committee Development Corp. board of directors have recognized Johnson for her writing and community service. At this morning's Jackson City Council meeting, council members honored Harris for being an outstanding lead historian and her service to the community.

Previous Comments

ID

158593

Comment

Sorry to hear of her passing. She was a great journalist.

Author

Meredith

Date

2010-07-13T15:40:48-06:00