Roy R. Harris

Roy R. Harris grew up in the small hamlet of Sladesville, North Carolina and now roams the Southside neighborhood of Asheville on a daily basis as "The unofficial Lion of the Southside Neighborhood." He has lived in this neighborhood for 37 of the 40 years he has been in Asheville.

A retired technician and engineer, Harris spent 40 years working for Fortune 500 companies up and down the East coast. He graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro in 1972.

Harris is very active in the city, serving on numerous boards and commissions. He serves as a Deacon at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Asheville, Inc., is a life member of the NAACP, and a board member of the National Association of Black Storytellers among other organizations. He also currently serves on The Community Reparation Committee. Harris is the father of three children and the grandfather of four. He spends his time serving his community and telling stories to all that will listen.

Interview by Michael S. Williams | Photos, videos by Julia Wall