Jacari Harris Proves Tough Times Don’t Last But Tough People Do

 An excuse is an attempt to lessen the blame. It’s a reason or explanation put forward to defend or justify a fault. During the course of our human existence, we tend to set goals. Not all, but some people will use excuses to justify their lack of accomplishments. 

Twenty-four-year old Jacari Harris was presented with multiple reasons to use excuses, but he chose to stay poised, focused and determined. He didn’t give adversity the opportunity to derail his path to success. Born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida, Jacari Harris didn’t grow up with the luxury of a normal family structure. His father was non-existent, and his mother struggled with substance abuse. In addition to abusing alcohol, she was also addicted to crack cocaine. His mother would leave him with a keeper and tell that person she would return in an hour, but she wouldn’t return until days later. Due to her negligence, Jacari was placed in the foster care system as a one-year-old. He would eventually get adopted by a lady in her early 50’s. 

During his grade school years, Jacari Harris was depressed and angry. His biological mother triggered those emotions when she would call and tell Jacari he was coming home, but she already knew he would never return home to be with her. As a result of his circumstances, Jacari became a young person who was mad, miserable, and upset. When things didn’t go his way, he would call the police on his adoptive parents. As a school student, he would get kicked out of class, and he spent a lot of time in detention.

As he entered high school, he received a motivational push. His guidance counselor made him aware of the fact he was held back in first grade. Harris was determined to get back on track. He took both virtual and after school courses. By putting in the extra work, Harris was able to graduate high school in three years as opposed to four. He would move on to attend Bethune-Cookman University. In December of 2020, Jacari Harris will officially collect his third college degree. 

SwagHer Contributor Vince D’Writer had a chat with the resilient and inspirational Jacari Harris.

Vince: Describe your SwagHer. What makes Jacari Harris, Jacari Harris?

Jacari: What makes me, me is I am transparent. I’m down to earth, and I’m a laid back person. I’m a go-getter who thinks outside of the box.

Vince: Your mother lost custody of you, and your father wasn’t in the equation until you received a call at age 13. He was in the Intensive Care Unit, and you went to visit him. Prior to that, did you know of your father’s whereabouts?

Jacari: No, I did not. Honestly, that was a bit upsetting for me for a long time. I was in Tallahassee, Florida and all my siblings by my father lived in Tallahassee. Me and my adoptive family were preparing to go on a cruise. I got a call on a Tuesday, and we were preparing to leave that Wednesday. I got a call from my sister, and I never heard from her a day in my life. My first thought process was, how did you get my number? I’m glad you called, but why you had my number all this time, and wait until now to call me? She told me how my father was in the Intensive Care Unit, and he wanted to see me and hold my hand before he transitions. So I went to his room, and he is hooked up to all these machines. They had all these people in there crying, and I realized later that they were all my brothers and sisters. So I looked at him, and we look just alike. I held his hand, and I prayed for him.

Vince: By the time you got to high school, you had already dealt with a tremendous amount of adversity. During that time, did you experience any type of anxiety or depression?

Jacari: I had more issues with depression in middle school than I did in high school because I was in middle school when my father passed away. After my 9th grade year, I became very focused. I started realizing my true potential.

Vince: How did Benjamin Crump become your mentor?

Jacari: I first heard of Attorney Benjamin Crump in 2013 during the George Zimmerman trial. He was Trayvon Martin’s family attorney. Right after my high school graduation in 2014, I took a risk and decided to go to Parks & Crump Law Office. I didn’t have a scheduled meeting or interview. By the time I left the firm that day, I walked out with a “Welcome Letter” to start a summer internship that following Monday. From that point forward, Attorney Crump became my mentor.

Vince: In 2018, you had the opportunity to intern for Senator Kamala Harris. How was that experience?

Jacari: I was one of the lead interns. I was able to help oversee and plan the town hall meetings she had throughout the state of California. Working with her senior team was just impeccable. I learned a lot. She is down to earth, she knows what’s best for her constituents, and I was able to see her close up fighting and advocating cause, making sure policies and regulations were in the best interests for those individuals she serves. 

Vince: You have a book coming out on September 15th. What is the title of the book and the premise?

Jacari: The book’s title is ‘Lost & Found Finding Success In The Search For Self.’ The book’s overall premise is to show how it’s possible to overcome a rough beginning in life, endure a tough journey, find success, and become an inspiration to others. I speak about that with my story from being in foster care and adoption. I’m literally showing people how you can rise above the losses in life and be found anew.

 

Jacari Harris is the epitome of hard work and determination. He believes where there’s a will, there’s a way. Harris refuses to allow anything to step in the way of him achieving his goals. He doesn’t believe in the word no. If he can’t get a yes, he will settle for a compromise. A book tour and attending law school is in his immediate future. In regards to his book ‘Lost & Found,’ the official release date is September 15th. It will be available on Amazon.com. For those readers who would like to pre-order the book, you can do so at www.jacariharris.com