In harmony, Harrises project respect for all

For more than two decades, the popular singer/storyteller couple, based in the Albany Diocese, have used themes like slavery and the civil rights movement to educate their audiences about the need for justice and freedom for all.

Their work takes them all over the country -- most recently, they traveled through Rhode Island, Nebraska and North Dakota -- to perform at venues from schools to music festivals. Many of their songs, like the traditional "Steal Away" and "Wade in the Water," speak of slaves escaping captivity via the Underground Railroad.

Inspiring message

The performer noted that she and her husband are a prime example of respecting differences. Mr. Harris was raised Baptist; Mrs. Harris grew up as a Presbyterian and converted to Catholicism in college after finding "a wonderful faith community" at a Newman center.

She has studied at St. Bernard's Institute, the Albany Diocese's graduate school of theology and ministry, and is currently pursuing a master's of divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

"For Reg and me, part of learning to respect people is about respecting them in their faith traditions. We follow different faith paths, but we are both Christians, and continue to appreciate and learn from each other," Mrs. Harris said.

Diallo case

"We were both surprised and saddened by the outcome of the trial," Mrs. Harris told The Evangelist. "I do feel that race played a part in the original incident. As African-Americans who travel for a living, we have always been aware of, and, unfortunately, have been the recipients of unfair treatment by police officers who stopped and questioned us, not because we had done anything at all, but simply because of our race."

The performer noted that she could see her own husband having taken the same action that led to Mr. Diallo's shooting: reaching for identification and being seen as reaching for a gun.

"I can imagine Reggie being killed in the same way," she stated. "I carry tears for Diallo and his family, as I do for myself and for all who bear the burden of injustice in our nation and world."

TV retreat

"We were very excited to be asked," said Mrs. Harris. "Reg and I moved to the area in 1988 and have enjoyed getting to know the diocesan community. We have felt welcomed and accepted, and now are honored to be able to contribute by way of our chosen vocation -- music."

The couple joked that they used "tag-team songwriting" to compose the theme; Mrs. Harris asked the Bishop for his initial ideas and Scriptural references for the talks he would give during the retreat, which she used for prayer and reflection while on the road. She wrote some ideas and composed the melody, then passed it on to her husband, who added his own ideas and finished the tune.

"After 23 years of marriage and working together, the process actually works fairly well most of the time," she noted wryly.

Lenten focus

"Keeping the [Lenten] fast is more of a challenge on the road," she noted. "We never know where we will be eating, or who our hosts will be."

However, the couple always takes time to celebrate a Seder [Passover] meal with Jewish friends, and will sing at Holy Week liturgies in Boston and on Holy Saturday back at their home parish, St. Catherine's in Middleburgh.

"Needless to say," Mrs. Harris concluded, "Easter Monday is a day to stay home and rest."

(Kim and Reggie Harris will sing on such themes as the Underground Railroad and the civil rights movement in a concert to benefit farmworkers through Rural and Migrant Ministry, to be held at St. Vincent's parish in Albany, March 24, 7:30 p.m. Suggested donation: $10 adults, $5 children ages 5-12. For information, call 453-6695.)

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