title
ORDER OF THE NEW HAVEN BOARD OF ALDERS DESIGNATING THE CORNER OF PARK STREET AND SOUTH FRONTAGE ROAD “FRED HARRIS WAY” IN HONOR OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THIS COMMUNITY ACTIVIST.
BODY
WHEREAS: his life and work embody the spirit of social justice and community empowerment in the
City of New Haven; and
WHEREAS: an advocate and believer in equality for all people; and
WHEREAS: his involvement in the civil rights movement to his involvement in the founding of the Hill
Parents Association; and
WHEREAS: his contributing to the establishment of the Hill Health Center; and
WHEREAS: in 1969, hired as Special Assistant to the Director of the Connecticut Mental Health Center; and
WHEREAS: in this role, Mr. Harris sought to facilitate a stronger relationship between the Connecticut
Mental Health Center and the underserved residents of the Hill area; and
WHEREAS: during the turbulent 1960's this led him to become deeply engaged with organized civil rights groups notably the Black Panther Party; and
WHEREAS: in response to Mayor Richard C. Lee's urban renewal programs of the 1950's, which specifically discriminated against lower income populations of color; and
WHEREAS: in 1966 Mr. Harris ran for a seat on the Connecticut General Assembly; and
WHEREAS: during his campaign, he advocated for policies aimed at addressing pollution, environmental
degradation, tax burdens, and unaffordable housing.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED by the New Haven Board of Alders, that the corner of Park
Street and South Frontage Road be designated "Fred Harris Way" to preserve and share his story, but also to encourage dialogue and reflection on critical themes.
BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that the Department of Transportation, Traffic and Parking is hereby directed and authorized to implement this Order.