Meet James Harris of Moreno Valley Ca

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Harris.

Hi James, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in Riverside in the 60s and 70s, surrounded by people who lived and breathed community. We didn’t have much, but we had each other. The folks in our neighborhood—mothers, fathers, teachers, even people who ran small newspapers—were always pouring into us. They modeled what it meant to give back. One of my biggest influences was a man named Dale Roberts, who’s been organizing the Black History Parade for over 40 years. He mentored everybody—no matter your background. He showed me that you didn’t need money or a title to make a difference. Just presence. Just consistency. That stuck with me. So when I got older, I knew I had to keep that energy going. I knew I had to give what was given to me.

When I look back on everything I’ve been a part of—whether it’s reading to kids at the library, putting on the Negro League softball game, or hosting our city’s Juneteenth celebration—I never saw it as checking boxes. I just saw it as showing up. Showing up for the community that shaped me. My purpose has always been simple: bloom where you’re planted. That means being an asset wherever I go and making sure that folks—especially the next generation—see someone who looks like them giving back. I didn’t grow up with a lot of resources, but I grew up with people who cared. People who invested their time, who mentored, who built something out of nothing. That spirit lives in me. So if my work helps even one person feel seen, educated, or inspired to give back in their own way, then I’ve done what I was put here to do.

Over the years, I’ve worn a lot of hats in the Moreno Valley community. I’ve served as the Chair of the Library Commission, authored children’s books like *Corey’s Courtroom and Natalie’s Newcast* to help kids see themselves in stories of justice and diversity, and founded the ‘Unveiled: History in Focus’ series to spotlight the unsung contributions of African Americans in history. I’ve emceed everything from the Color Run to Juneteenth to the Fourth of July Parade. But one of the most meaningful projects for me has been organizing the Community Softball Game honoring the legacy of Negro League Baseball. That event is more than a game—it’s a living classroom, a community picnic, a celebration of culture and connection. I’ve never had a nonprofit. I’m not backed by a big company. I’m just one person trying to be an asset wherever I’m planted. And if I’ve helped someone feel seen, valued, or connected along the way, then I’m good with that.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As with all accomplishments, they cannot be achieved without struggles, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. The biggest challenge for anyone to overcome isn’t the external, but the internal. My biggest struggle steams from having the confidence that I belong no matter where I started from.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m currently a retired a Correctional Counselor from the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation. I’m known around the area as a community organizer who specialize in bringing people from divers backgrounds together. This was demonstrated in May 2025 when I conducted a Community Softball Game Honoring the Negro League. I’m most proud of when I can change the prospective of the youth and adults as to the possibilities we can make together. What I believe that sets me apart is my motto” Bloom where your planted.” Therefore, it doesn’t where I live or at. I try and bloom. I always want to bring value to the room.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Diversity is what I like about our city. Without it we are the only one crayon in the box.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: jo_emcee