Donald Trump’s Commitment to Harry O’s Vision for Community Change
Donald J. Trump, former U.S. President and 2024 presidential candidate, made headlines once again as he announced his commitment to working with Michael “Harry O” Harris and the Community First Action initiative. In a recent social media post, Trump expressed his intentions to collaborate with Harry O’s nonprofit organization that focuses on positive change for underserved communities, with a significant emphasis on Black Americans and prison reform.
Donald Trump’s Commitment to Harry O’s Vision for Community Change
Trump’s pledge to work with Harry O marks a notable moment for Community First Action, a nonprofit founded by Michael Harris, known for his influence in both the business world and the entertainment industry. Harris, a man of many talents, has a storied history—building businesses at a young age, founding Death Row Records, and spending 33 years in prison before being granted clemency by Trump during his final days in office in January 2021. Since his release, Harris has refocused his life on making a positive impact through his nonprofit work, with Community First Action leading the charge.
The organization’s Opportunity Plan, created by Harris, is a robust blueprint aimed at ensuring dignity for underserved communities. It focuses on two critical platforms: The Access Agenda and The Redemption Agenda. Both initiatives are designed to tackle systemic issues such as economic inequality, lack of access to opportunities, and the challenges of reintegration faced by formerly incarcerated individuals.
Trump’s support, particularly given his connection to Harris’s release from prison, signals a strong partnership that could further the organization’s reach, especially as Trump campaigns for his return to the White House.
The History of Michael “Harry O” Harris and Community First Action
Michael Harris, more commonly known as Harry O, is no stranger to overcoming obstacles. Born and raised on the East side of Los Angeles, Harris’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished early in life. By the age of 26, he had founded several businesses, including Beverly Hills Leasing, Kartier Limousine Service, and Telesis Construction, all of which contributed to the Los Angeles community through construction projects, employment opportunities, and economic growth.
Harris’s entrepreneurial efforts extended beyond traditional business into the entertainment world. As the founder of Y-Not Productions, Harris played a pivotal role in producing the Broadway play Checkmates, starring Denzel Washington in his first Broadway role. He also collaborated with Yolanda King, daughter of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Attallah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X, on the production of Stepping Into Tomorrow.
However, it was Harris’s work behind bars that truly showcased his commitment to positive change. During his time in prison, Harris founded Godfather Entertainment, which launched Death Row Records, helping propel the careers of Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Tupac Shakur. He also established multiple programs to provide financial literacy, education, and mentorship to his fellow inmates, contributing to reduced recidivism.
In 2021, after his sentence was commuted by Trump, Harris founded Community One World, a nonprofit aimed at supporting prison reform efforts and advancing equality. His most recent project, Community First Action, has quickly gained attention for its work in addressing systemic barriers to economic advancement in underserved communities.
Donald Trump’s History with Community Initiatives
Trump’s decision to work with Harry O aligns with his past initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for Black Americans. During his first term as president, Trump highlighted his work on criminal justice reform, notably through the passage of the First Step Act. This bipartisan effort aimed to reform the criminal justice system by reducing mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent offenders, expanding early release programs, and promoting initiatives to reduce recidivism. It is through this act that Trump granted clemency to Harry O, recognizing the work he had done behind bars and his commitment to bettering his community.
Trump’s history with community-focused efforts also includes his role in creating Opportunity Zones, a program designed to stimulate investment in economically distressed areas. These zones have aimed to encourage long-term investments in low-income urban and rural communities across the nation, contributing to job creation and economic growth in historically marginalized areas.
The Community First Action Movement
Community First Action continues to make waves in 2024, expanding its reach with events like community concerts, educational workshops, and advocacy for systemic change. Through The Access Agenda, the organization seeks to provide tangible opportunities in employment, housing, and education for those facing systemic barriers. At the same time, The Redemption Agenda focuses on ensuring that formerly incarcerated individuals have access to the resources they need to reintegrate into society successfully.
Both platforms are central to Harris’s vision of creating a more equitable society, particularly for Black Americans who have historically faced structural disadvantages. Through collaborations with influential figures like Donald Trump, Community First Action hopes to reach an even broader audience, increasing its impact across the country.
Social Reactions to the Partnership
The announcement of Trump’s support for Community First Action was met with a lot of support on social media. Most expressed excitement over the partnership, especially those who are close to the partnership.
- @CFirstAction: “Thank you for committing to working with Community First when you are back in the White House @realDonaldTrump! Together we will secure Opportunity and Dignity for ALL 🇺🇸”
- @realvincepeters: “We support those who support us!”
These comments make it it was clear that the partnership is a hot topic in both political and philanthropic circles, generating significant attention as the 2024 election approaches.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Community First Action
As Community First Action continues to grow, the collaboration with Donald Trump has the potential to significantly elevate its profile and deepen its impact. With Trump’s resources and platform, the nonprofit can leverage new opportunities to further its mission of creating dignity, opportunities, and change for marginalized communities. Whether it’s through initiatives like job creation, housing opportunities, or prison reform, the future looks bright for Community First Action.
Moreover, Harry O’s leadership and experience make him a pivotal figure in this movement, using his own experiences and setbacks as a foundation to inspire others. His work is proof that transformation and redemption are possible, and with Trump’s support, Community First Action aims to set a new standard for community-focused advocacy and reform.
