The Roxbury Community College (RCC) Community mourns the passing of Judge Leslie Harris, a lifelong advocate, educator, and friend of RCC. Judge Harris’s connection to the College dates to the I-95 protests, where he played a pivotal role in securing the land for RCC’s current campus. During the late 1970s, he shared his knowledge and passion with students as an instructor of both Biology and African American Literature.
Appointed Associate Justice of Suffolk Juvenile Court in 1994, Judge Harris devoted his career to the ideals of justice, mentorship, and service. Through his roles as teacher, youth worker, Suffolk Superior Court probation officer, public defender, and Chief of the Juvenile Division in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, he uplifted and served his community with unwavering dedication.
As one of RCC’s 50 Pioneers, Judge Harris was celebrated for extraordinary service and leadership. His lifetime of honors—including the Distinguished Alumni Award from Boston University, the David Nelson Public Interest Award from Boston College Law School, the Public Service Award from the Ten Point Coalition, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Boston College Law School Black Law Student Association—reflect the enduring mark he left on our community.
In 2019, Judge Harris guided the Roxbury Community College Foundation through a period of recovery, steering its reestablishment with the same care, integrity, and vision for which he was known. Thanks to his steady leadership and devotion, the Foundation emerged stronger and more purposeful, standing today as a testament to his unwavering support for the College and its mission.
“Judge Leslie Harris was devoted to RCC for over 50 years,” said President Jonathan K. Jefferson. “His incredible work as receiver of the RCC Foundation and continued commitment as Foundation Board Member are the reasons why the Foundation has been so successful over the past five years. There was no one in this community more devoted to RCC than Judge Leslie Harris.”
“Judge Harris was a man of infinite talents who wore dozens of hats and took on a hundred different roles; the through line was always wanting more and better for our community,” said Vice President of Advancement Jennie McDonald-Brown. “Saving the RCC Foundation was one of countless acts of service from a man whose life was defined by seeking justice and equity for the folks who needed it most. His impact is immeasurable, and he will be sorely missed.”
In 2024, to honor his unparalleled support, Judge Harris received the RCC Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award. Friends and colleagues shared remarks recognizing his excellence at the ceremony:
“It's hard to find someone who has done more to save lives in the Greater Boston area than Judge Leslie Harris. As a teacher, youth worker, probation officer, public defender, and associate justice of the Juvenile Division of the Suffolk County Court, he has planted innumerable seeds of learning, hope, compassion, and second chances in young people and families. Most of those he has touched were desperately in need and had few other people to turn to. And as if that was not enough, he came along and saved the Roxbury Community College Foundation when it was sorely distressed and on the brink of breakup. Thank God for the Leslie Harrises of the world.” – Rev. Dr. Ray Hammond
“Dear Judge Harris, it has been such an honor and a pleasure to work with you to serve Roxbury Community College. Your leadership of the Foundation during a time of transition was incredibly impactful, and it has been wonderful to partner with you as a fellow member of the Foundation Board. Our community is grateful to you for all that you do and the kind, thoughtful manner in which you do it. Thank you so much.” – Gerald Chertavian
“Judge Harris has been my hero since I was an unknown freshman at Harvard looking to learn about my Boston community. He has remained my icon, my standard, my touchstone, and mentor, 30+ years later. What is most remarkable is that I am only one of the many thousands of Black people across Boston and beyond who have shared my experience. People from all walks of life and all ages seek his wisdom, and Judge Harris gives it freely and with a level of humility unique among those who have achieved such accomplishments. He supports and guides with the kindness and generosity of the finest of gentlemen. Judge Harris carries the stories of our lives – our triumphs, our joy – with hope, humor, and leadership. May we all live according to his example! With respect, appreciation, and love.” – Eva Mitchell
Roxbury Community College and the RCC Foundation are forever grateful for Judge Harris’s vision, wisdom, and unwavering advocacy. His inspiring legacy will continue to guide and elevate our community for generations to come.
