Kenneth L. Harris is known for his maverick-style in his approach to altering societal and economic challenges within his community. An avid reader and socially-conscious individual, Kenneth has always been passionate about helping African-Americans and other minorities realize their dreams, most importantly through entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. He found it necessary to bridge the gap between minority-owned businesses throughout the region and founded the International Detroit Black Expo, Incorporated (IDBE) on May 24, 2004.
- Apostle, n. def. – a pioneer of any reform movement-
Born and raised in the City of Detroit, Kenneth L. Harris is the Founder, President and CEO of the International Detroit Black Expo, Inc., an economic empowerment agent for African-American businesses in the State of Michigan. Over the last few years, the nonprofit organization has grown exponentially to more than 7,500 African-American business members across the State of Michigan providing a stronghold in the community.
It is his affable demeanor, charisma, motivating spirit coupled with business savvy and his continuous remembrance of his ancestors’ struggle that has given Mr. Harris the wings to successfully improve the culture of entrepreneurship in Metro Detroit and throughout the country. His most significant organizational success to date is the fruition of the Detroit Black Expo, a three-day marketplace exposition for Metro Detroit families and business community held June 5-7, 2009 at the Cobo Convention Center in Detroit that attracted more than 100,000 attendees in a two year period and 1,000 national exhibits.
Kenneth has made tremendous landmarks and professional accomplishments at the young age of 34, such as the first African-American Chief of Staff and Executive Assistant to the Mayor of Southfield and the first African-American Director of Greek Affairs at Wayne State University. Additionally, he is the first African-American Counseling Psychologist for St. John Community Health and is currently the first African-American Director of Minority Business Development and Strategic Initiatives for the Michigan Minority Business Development Council, Inc.
Kenneth also serves on the Board of Directors for the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Michigan Center for Fair Housing, the United Negro College Fund, the First Independence Bank Community Development Corporation and the NAACP – Detroit Branch Economic Empowerment Committee Chairperson. He is an active life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Prince Hall Masonry, Hartford Memorial Baptist Church and the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce, just to name a few.
Recently, Kenneth L. Harris received the U.S. Small Business (SBA) 2007 Minority Business Advocate of the Year award, inducted into Crain’s Detroit Business Class of 2007 40 under 40 and Who’s Who in Black Detroit Most Influential. Kenneth was most recently honored by the Michigan Women’s Marketplace & CEED as the 2008 Entrepreneur of the Year. Kenneth also received the 2008 Excellence Award for Economic Empowerment by 100 Black Men of Greater Detroit, Inc.
Kenneth graduated with a BA in Psychology and MA in Counseling Psychology both from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia and is currently a Ph.D. Wayne State University in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and has received a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Detroit’s Lewis College of Business in 2008. Kenneth also received the 2009 WWJTV CBS 62 Emerging Leaders under 40 Award.
Comments