Baba Kwesi

Ronald Eugene Harris (November 22, 1959 – June 17, 2016), sometimes referred to as Baba Kwesi or Kwesi Boafo Damfo, was an American educator and activist. Since 2009, he was the director of the African-American Male Resource Center (AAMRC) at Chicago State University. Born and raised in Chicago, Harris graduated from Simeon Vocational High School in 1977 and majored in Education and Social Work at Central State University in 1981. He died on June 17, 2016, from complications with Stage 4 prostate cancer.Ihejirika, Maudlyne (June 26, 2016). "Chicago State University Leader Ronald 'Kwesi' Harris Dead at 56". Chicago Sun-Times.
In 2013, Harris collaborated with the Black Star Project for the "Mass Black Male Graduation and Transition to Manhood" that recognized 500 black male graduates from high schools across the country. He enlisted the help of American rapper Lupe Fiasco, who served as the keynote speaker.Watson, Andrea V. (June 26, 2016). "Family, Friends Remember Chicago State's 'Kwesi' Harris". DNAinfo. He was the primary inspiration for Fiasco's 2014 anthem song for cancer survivors, "Mission," where he praised of Fiasco's joint work with Stand Up to Cancer, "To have an artist involved in this endeavor, I personally believe, speaks volumes. To have an artist like that lend his voice, I think he's a stronger voice for a lot of people who are often times perceived as the voices. Because sometimes when people are saddled with these kind of health challenges, they become throwaways, quite frankly. They become, y'know, 'Oh, well, you know, they're going to fade away eventually.' No, no. He's giving life to these brothers and sisters.""Kwesi Ronald Harris Lupe Fisaco's Impact". YouTube. August 7, 2014. He became an ambassador for nonprofit charity organization The Lupe Fiasco Foundation (LFF), being awarded the Mission Ambassador on July 25, 2014, for his ongoing philanthropic efforts in spreading cancer awareness. On September 29, 2014, LFF hosted their first Community All Call event, What's Your Mission?, where Harris was a keynote speaker, delivering the story called "The Truth & The Lie.""Lupe Fiasco Foundation's What's Your Mission?". Music Connection. October 1, 2014.
For the funeral service, Celebration of Life for Kwesi Ronald Harris, held on June 25, 2016, Fiasco performed a musical tribute. Harris was also featured on Drogas Wave (2018), providing the spoken word, "Baba Kwesi (Interlude)," where he talked about freedom of the mind and self-discovery.
== Gallery ==
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File:Baba Kwesi (2).jpg|L-R: Ayesha Jaco, Lupe Fiasco, and Ronald Harris
File:Lupe Fiasco - May 1 2014.jpg|@LupeFiasco: "Me, Marie & Kwesi A-Live @ the #MISSION listening session..."
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Category:Activists
Category:People
Category:Educators