GREATER CINCINNATI DINNER HONOREE

Reggie Harris

DAVID C. CROWLEY LEADERSHIP AWARD

The annual David C. Crowley Leadership award was established by HRC in 2010 to honor David Crowley and his lifetime devotion to human rights work.

David had a firm belief that all people are equal. His many roles from CEO of The American Association for the Homes for the Aged, freeing the AIDS babies from Romania, Country Director in the Peace Corp, to feet on the ground peacekeeper in war torn Croatia and Bosnia, to name a few, exemplified that belief.

As a Cincinnati City Council member David worked to successfully add sexual orientation, gender identity/expression to our City’s hate crimes legislation. He went on to work closely with HRC and others to help overturn Article 12, an ordinance that allowed discrimination. Once that was removed from the City Charter David led the effort to pass employment non-discrimination laws and by 2014 Cincinnati reached 100% on HRC’s MEI being the only city in Ohio at that time that covered the cost for transgender inclusive health care.

David passed away In January of 2011 proudly knowing that the David C. Crowley Leadership Award would be presented to recipients who share his vision of Equality.

Reggie Harris, MSW, LISW-S, is a Cincinnati City Councilmember, chairing the Budget and Finance committee and vice-chairing the Equitable Growth & Housing Committee. A former professional ballet dancer with ten years of performing experience, he danced for the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, Ballet Austin, River North Chicago Dance Company, and Dances Patrelle. Reggie spent four years working in Chicago’s first public performing arts high school, developing and teaching aspiring young dancers. As a clinical social worker and nonprofit leader, Reggie has worked in affordable housing development, LGBTQ homelessness, housing case management, and behavioral health therapy. In addition to his council work, Reggie is a Senior Fellow at the Children’s Funding Project, where he helps local governments expand equitable opportunities for children and youth through strategic public financing.

Reggie also is a consultant with EJP Consulting Group. He supports cities in applying for the competitive Department of Housing and Urban Development Choice Neighborhood Initiative grants. Reggie received his undergraduate degree from Roosevelt University and his Master of Social Work from Boston University.