Michael “Harry-O” Harris talks ‘Our Community First’ initiative on V-103 [VIDEO]

Michael “Harry-O” Harris Discusses ‘Our Community First’ Initiative on V-103 Atlanta

Michael “Harry-O” Harris is the co-founder of Death Row Records. He sat down for an insightful interview with V-103, Atlanta’s premier hip-hop and R&B station, to discuss his latest endeavor—Our Community First, a nonprofit initiative dedicated to uplifting underprivileged communities and providing access to opportunities that have historically been unavailable to marginalized groups.

During the interview, Harris expressed his deep passion for bringing about meaningful change. He also shared his personal journey from incarceration to becoming a dedicated philanthropist and community leader. The event was part of a broader conversation about how individuals and communities can band together to address social, economic, and educational issues that plague underrepresented populations.

Harris’ Mission with Our Community First

Harris explained that the mission of Our Community First is not just to offer charity but to create long-lasting solutions by tapping into the needs of the community itself. He emphasized that his nonprofit aims to bring “capital, job opportunities, and educational access” to areas often overlooked by both government and private sectors.

“People talk about what they want to do,” Harris said, “but they leave the community’s voice silent. We believe in speaking directly to the community’s needs and not what others say the community needs.”

The organization has been actively engaging with business entrepreneurs, local government, and community leaders to build a framework that supports sustainable growth. Whether it’s improving schools, providing technical training, or creating job opportunities, Harris stressed that the key to long-term success is ensuring people have the resources and knowledge they need to thrive.

The Focus on Access and Redemption

One of the most powerful parts of Harris’ interview was his discussion on the Our Community First two-pronged strategy—Access and Redemption. These concepts are woven into the organization’s core values and underpin all of its programs.

Harris shared that Access refers to creating pathways for communities to receive the financial and intellectual capital they need to improve their lives. He touched on how limited access to resources has left many communities stagnant. Thus, reiterating that without proper funding, there is little room for growth. “Without capital, you can’t grow,” Harris reiterated.

On the other hand, Redemption is something very personal for Harris. Having spent 33 years behind bars, he understands the importance of second chances. For Harris, it is not just about releasing individuals from prison. It’s also about making sure they are equipped to reintegrate into society with valuable skills. Harris discussed the systemic failures in preparing people for life outside of incarceration and his dedication to changing that. He explained, “When people come home, they need to have Second Chance jobs and career opportunities.”

The audience heard Harris reflect on his time spent behind bars, where he witnessed firsthand the challenges people face during and after incarceration. He is working to change this by building programs that prepare incarcerated individuals with job training and resources that will help them become self-sufficient upon their release. The initiative also collaborates with local businesses to create job opportunities for returning citizens, ensuring that they can rebuild their lives in a meaningful way.

Building Trust Within Communities

A significant part of Harris’ vision for Our Community First is building trust within the communities he aims to serve. He acknowledged the long-standing distrust between communities and the organizations that often claim to represent them. Harris believes that real change can only come when communities take matters into their own hands, rather than relying on outside entities.

“We’ve been trusting other people to speak for us,” Harris said. “And each time, they fall short—or not at all. This is not about me or Our Community First. It’s about us. We need to hold people accountable.”

He emphasized the importance of community engagement and collaboration, making it clear that his goal is not to lead but to help facilitate dialogue between residents, local leaders, and organizations. Harris highlighted the importance of mobilizing people to vote and ensuring that elected officials are held accountable for their actions. He stressed that people should vote for leaders who prioritize their interests and actively support their communities, instead of settling for false promises.

How Our Community First Plans to Expand Its Reach

Harris’ passion for community-building doesn’t stop at Atlanta. During the interview, he revealed that Our Community First has plans to expand nationwide, reaching underserved communities in other major cities like Pittsburgh. The organization has been organizing concerts and events to raise awareness and funds for its various initiatives, all while giving local artists a platform to showcase their talent.

He also mentioned that his initiative aims to build partnerships with local organizations already doing impactful work. One example Harris gave was the PAWKids foundation, an Atlanta-based organization that provides food, shelter, and resources to children without stable homes. Harris emphasized that building partnerships with such grassroots organizations is essential to creating sustainable change.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Michael “Harry-O” Harris’ journey from being incarcerated to becoming a force for good is nothing short of remarkable. He sees Our Community First as a platform for redemption—not just for himself, but for the countless people in underserved communities who have been left behind. Harris’ legacy is evolving, not just as a music mogul but as a leader who is taking concrete steps to uplift others.

“I believe in focusing on the present,” Harris concluded. “The past is the past, and the future will come. But right now, we need to engage, connect, and uplift one another to ensure that we all have the opportunities to succeed.”

Conclusion

Michael “Harry-O” Harris is proving that change starts within the community. His Our Community First initiative is a testament to the power of grassroots action and collective responsibility. By focusing on access, redemption, and trust, Harris is creating a blueprint for what community-driven transformation can look like in today’s world.

For more information on how to get involved with Our Community First, visit communityfirstaction.org and follow @officialharryo on social media.