ACHIEVEMENT
ART AND BROTHERHOOD Brother Harris’ relationship with Cleophus Thomas Jr., Esq. (Epsilon Epsilon 1974), allowed him to grow his understanding of what being a working artist really means. The 4th Guy L. Grant Awardee, 77th Elder Watson Diggs Awardee, 77th Laurel Wreath Laureate, and Kappa Alpha Psi’s General Counsel; Brother Thomas is a respected art enthusiast and collector in his own right (see The Kappa Alpha Psi Journal , Fall 2024). Noticing his potential for creative greatness, Brother Thomas has made it a point to attend many of Harris’ exhibit openings. For Thomas, making the trek to New York City for Brother Harris’ opening night at MoMA in September was just another gesture of mentorship. “The fraternity has done a remark- able job nurturing young men of culture, honor, and patriotism—and preparing them for national leadership. Kasimu was long regarded as a top- tier brother and someone we knew we would hear from. That’s how he became a national officer, which was our first point of contact. The funda- mental purpose of Kappa Alpha Psi is realized in their lives and careers, and they become part of our living history,” Brother Thomas says proudly. He’s so invested in his success that Thomas purchased Harris’ pieces directly from the gallery walls of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in 2015. And Brother Thomas continues to be a major collector of Harris’s work. “Brother Cleo has been my educator at the master’s level. Not only in art but in the business of
Top: Soledad O’Brien discussing art with Harris at the party she hosted in her home to celebrate his work, Vanishing Black Bars & Lounges being acquired by the MoMA. Bottom: Harris with Joshua Conway (Eta Gamma 2000), 102nd Elder Watson Diggs Awardee Alvin L. Barrington, and Deputy Journal Editor/Creative Director Aliatu T. Burke.
art.” Their bond deepened over the years, becoming both mentor and family. Harris photographed Thom- as’s grandson’s first birthday party and welcomed him into important milestones of his own life. Brother Harris’ work is included in eleven permanent collections nationally. Having the MoMA acquire his work is a career achievement. “MoMA is
exceptional because it houses many of the world’s masterpieces, and because its collection leads the field rather than follows. To enter their permanent collection isn’t something the public always grasps, but it is a profound validation by the most authoritative curators,” injects Brother Thomas. Upon further research on the MoMA archives, we discover that
FALL 2025 ♦ THE JOURNAL 55
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator