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WHEREAS, Bessie Lee Harris, born Saturday, May 2, 1925, in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Mrs. Harris graduated from Lincoln Heights High School, Class of 1943. Shortly after graduation, Bessie moved north and made her home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and,
WHEREAS, Bessie loved to travel and was an avid card player - famously hosting lively card parties. Bessie is a multitalented woman who earned a Food Service Supervisor Training certificate from Pittsburgh Public Schools on January 31, 1969. As a proud union member and activist, Mrs. Harris stood at the forefront of critical change - including marching in rallies at the Pittsburgh Federal Building and demanding equity for black health insurance coverage. Bessie’s efforts weren’t without recognition, her courage and unwavering featured her in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and,
WHEREAS, Bessie is the proud mother of 5 children - 4 daughters (one now deceased) and 1 son. Mrs. Harris has been blessed with 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Her family includes Barbara (deceased), Zinna, Gay, JoAnn, and Ray, and a host of beautiful descendants who carry her spirit forward and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize and congratulate Bessie Lee Harris proud mother, activist, union member, and lively host for her commitment to community, serving our youth, and has been a proud resident of Pittsburgh for over 56 years and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare, Friday, May 2nd, 2025, to be “Bessie Lee Harris Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.