William Harris
For over a decade, he has been Block Captain, working to make the area safe and clean for the residents as well as serve as a go-between for the city and neighbors.
William Harris has lived on the 1800 block of W. Thompson St. off and on since 1973. For over a decade, he has served as the Block Captain, working to make the area safe and clean for the residents as well as be a go-between for the city and neighbors.
He recently started “Many Blocks, One Family,” a non-profit which aims to host events for young people in the neighborhood as well as the elderly. The work originated with his mother Doris Harris, who passed away in 2015. She was a dynamo, working as a community activist, a committee person for the 47th Ward, and serving as Block Captain. For over 10 years, she operated Camp Butterfly to give dozens of neighborhood students a place to go in the summer while their parents worked using sidewalks and the interior of her home. Many Blocks, One Family is also the theme for the annual summer reunion
How did your relationship with the Prep begin?
I am a Gesu School graduate and spent a lot of time at the Prep as a kid as the Prep was a hub in the 80s for community activity, sponsored by the Philadelphia Department of Recreation and Police Athletic League. The Prep was open from 5-8 and anyone could come in. There were basketball leagues and open gym, swimming classes with a team, theatre shows, etc.
What were you looking for and how was the Prep a good partner?
A few years ago, I met with Prep administrators and presented the idea to bring these opportunities back to the neighborhood. The Prep has the space to consider that opportunity and also the history. From the beginning, they were extremely interested and supportive. We have created a real partnership on many of the activities that are going on as we speak. Since then, we have been able to host events like Trunk or Treat, Flag Football, and other activities with the school. The Prep has even allowed us to use one of its buildings in the neighborhood as our headquarters which is such a benefit. It allows us to operate at a higher level, be consistent, and make a larger impact. That was a great supportive measure for our organization.
In what ways has the Prep's presence been a benefit?
Overall, the Prep has been a beacon in this area. Throughout the years, there have been quieter periods but overall it has been great. They have assisted with neighborhood projects, donated time and space, offered food and gifts around the holidays. I will add that our connection over the past few years has been high and the energy is back.
