By Holly Hargett
Alex Harris is a singer and songwriter, but he’s also a humanitarian at heart. His journey as an artist is marked by his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world. He was so moved by the events surrounding George Floyd’s death that he penned most of the lyrics for his song Humanity in 90 minutes. Harris is also a producer and, as co-founder of The Arts Conservatory for Teens (ACT) in St Petersburg, a philanthropist.
Harris started making his first drum set from the buckets of his neighbor’s backyard when he was 5 or 6, using pine tree branches as drumsticks. He and his siblings, who also shared his love of music, ultimately formed their own band. Performances at their father’s church quickly gained attention, and A7 became so sought-after that they toured North America during school breaks.
Today, Harris has performed his soulful R&B music for two presidential galas and has shared stages and collaborated with legendary entertainers including Aretha Franklin, Lionel Richie, Al Green, and Alicia Keys. His vision for a camp for kids was a dream he shared with his family that started to come to fruition when he was a graduate student. Now in its 11th year, the Arts Conservatory for Teens offers training in music and film production, theatre, dance, film, art leadership, and entrepreneurship. Originally created for under-served at-risk students, ACT is now sponsored in five Pinellas County middle schools and serves 2,600 students annually. A three-year plan includes expanding to Sarasota and Hillsborough counties and advancing ACT’s after-school programs. Ultimately, they aspire to offer programming for licensing worldwide, creating a global impact on young minds.
“We take a holistic approach so that creativity extends into leadership, entrepreneurship, development, and financial literacy. There’s an art to entrepreneurship, an art to financial literacy or money management,” says Harris, “We look to expand those existing parameters into that space where the student can come into wholeness, at least an understanding of the pathway to that space, and providing the bridge to get there.”
To support ACT’s noble initiatives, they welcome multi-year gifts from those who wish to make a difference. Donations and volunteer opportunities can be found at www.artsconservatoryforteens.org.
On a musical note, Alex Harris is set to perform at The Palladium Jan. 13. www.alexharrisofficial.com