Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Harper Harris.
Jeff, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have coached basketball for 27 years, professionally (Mexico), high school, AAU, BCI, PAL and National Travel Club. I started the San Diego “Cougars” Basketball Club in 1993 after the death of my two brothers due to gang violence. The organization was started to help keep kids off the streets and out of gangs. The organization grew to kids from all over the county.
My older brother was shot 5 times in 1992, his body thrown over the bridge on National Ave. A year later, my 16-year-old brother was shot and killed mistaken identity. I have coached at Morse High School as an assistant and later, Head Coach and as well several other high schools through the years. Most recently, I returned to coaching boys at Lincoln High. I am also the GM/Head Coach of the San Diego Kings, which is professional basketball team from the ABA.
I swore to help keep kids off the streets and out of gangs for as longas possible. Our organization grew to where we had kids fromthroughout San Diego County playing for the Cougars. The organization was about helping to teach the game of basketball fundamentals while handling life’s lessons and promoting education. As an
an organization we have helped many young men and women get into college and become positive people within the community inside and outside of San Diego, CA.
I grew up in Dayton Ohio until I was 15 years old. At that point, I was sent to stay with my grandmom who lived in Southeast San Diego. I am a product of special education, was labled ADHD, emotional disturb and 51/50. At the age of four, I was adopted, which is the reason I have two last names. At the age of 11, got into some serious trouble where I was sent to boys home and juvenile hall. Through all my problems I still finished high school, played basketball, got a college scholarship and was able to play overseas for a couple years.
I have observed many young people killed in my community and/or seeing them still going to prison. Attending at least funerals last year continuously reminded me that these issues need to be addressed on an ongoing basis. Thus, the growing violence is obviously a major concern to all. Many of these young people were student athletes and had bright futures ahead of them. What really affected me was that they were a parent’s son or daughter. I am the founder of Athletes and Coaches Against Bullying and Increase The Peace Stop The Violence Classic.
My motto is: “It’s Bigger Than Basketball”.
Martin Luther King 2017 Human Dignity Award Winner
Blue Heart Foundation Man of The Year Award 2018
Has it been a smooth road?
No, not a smooth at all. We have had more success stories, but I have lost young people and former players to the streets and lost some to the prison system.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Athletic Initiative/SD Cougars have always and continue to be about helping ALL kids to let them know no matter what they may go through we can overcome. We show that every person has a chance to help change the world and their community. We do it because we love to give back and make a difference.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel our city is ok for business based on what type of business. We need more business and programs to help kids and to keep the kids off streets and give them positive things to do. We don’t have that many, “really” do it from the ground zero level and in the trenches every day.
Contact Info:
- Address: 11438 Acrux Dr
San Diego CA 92126 - Website: www.athleticinitiative.org
- Phone: 760 382 1653
- Email: aprilcurry@athleticinitiative.org
- Instagram: athletic_initiative
- Facebook: Athletic Initative
- Twitter: @Athinitiative
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