Alice Harris: A Biography

For more than thirty years, Sweet Alice Harris has devoted herself to changing the lives of disadvantaged children and young adults. Her work began in the Black and Hispanic communities in Los Angeles before and during the Watts riots of. "They . . . wanted the same thing; they just couldn't speak the language, so they would fight, " Sweet Alice says. To ease the tensions, she began providing food, housing, health care, and education. "I never want to hear" 'no' said . . . I always want to be able to tell people they can eat, sleep, be counseled, and be comfortable," she explained.

The program that Sweet Alice began informally out of her home in the mid-sixties has become the Parents of Watts (POW), incorporated since as an organization to encourage children to stay in school and stay off the drug-infested streets of south-central Los Angeles. She currently serves as the organization's executive director. Now, she was a parent at and homeless at. "I understand what they are going through," she says, referring to the young people she helps. Today, in the eight houses she owns on Lou Dillon Avenue in Los Angeles, Sweet Alice presides over more than programs that operate on a shoestring, combining contracts and support from community businesses. POW provides emergency food and shelter for the homeless; conducts health seminars; provides legal and drug counseling; promotes harmony among Hispanics, Koreans, and Blacks; operates a program for unwed mothers; and prepares young people for the job market and for college. She and her staff help parents become effective supporters of their children. She attends many IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) and often acts as a problem solver between the schools and families. When faced with uncooperative parents, teachers, or administrators, she is famous for turning to them and rhetorically demanding "Do you want to be part of the building crew or the wrecking crew?" Most of the youngsters who attend the programs apply to college, and most are admitted. More than potential dropouts who were helped by POW have gone on to higher education, and dozens have earned degrees. Sweet Alice herself has, over the years and course by course, acquired a degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

How does Sweet Alice do it all? As a messenger of hope, she starts by not taking "no" for an answer. Then, she sees potential in each person and in every situation. She proceeds by radiating a quality of good will and love that can crumble the most formidable wall. And finally, she knows where to go for help: she works closely with local politicians, including the past and present mayors of Los Angeles -- all of whom hold her in high regard. She manages this extensive world of love, respect, and support by speaking in her own unique and colorful manner, in a language that is a blend of old-fashioned Alabama dialect, spiced up with folk humor, dotted with frequent references to God and the devil, and topped off with the vernacular of the street and grassroots political savvy. Sweet Alice Harris is available as a consultant and speaker. Local and national groups alike have found her dynamic, entertaining, and inspirational. Eager to share the methods POW has used to help so many people, she is a leader and activist with important stories to tell.

11/20/04

* In honor of Sweet Alice and her compassion to make the world a better place, CAN-DO is dedicating Program 2 to this amazing woman. Since Sweet Alice has many important causes I wasn't sure how exactly to set up this particular program. I am now in contact with her and will a specific target for the funds and support we receive. Again, I want to stress that CAN-DO will not only document any and all transactions but display your/our results of how your contributions actually made that difference. Since CAN-DO is fairly new, I will soon have up our program objective on how we can help Sweet Alice Harris with whatever cause she feels could use our attention and help. ek

1/4/05

* On Dec. 16th I had the honor of meeting "Sweet", a name often referred to by friends and loved ones. Sweet Alice and her family are without a doubt the real deal! We not only felt honored to be there, but to watch how perfectly organized "The Parents of Watts" carried out what seemed to be such an effortless task to pass out toys to hundreds of children. I am currently in contact with Alice and her staff to provide the public with upcoming programs for anyone who is interested in donating. I will post any and all information provided to us regarding any future events. Please check back with us soon. ek