A Solem Dedication to Dr. Shomari Harper

 Dr. Shomari Harper (January 5, 1959 - September 17, 2022

On Monday, January 5th, 1959 at 8:48 at New York Infirmary in Manhattan, after 12 hours of labor to Darren Harper, was born to Leroy and Althea Harper. He was named Darren Kurt Harper, meaning dignity, strength and ambition, and he grew to embody each character trait. The family moved to East 96th Street in Brooklyn, where he was raised. At age 5 he graduated from kindergarten. The educational foundation he received at school was rewarding. He learned to love learning which was fueled by his intellectual curiosity. He started piano lessons at age 7 and performed on two occasions at Brooklyn Academy of Music. He developed a love for music and continued to play saxophone in high school and college. He played each instrument with equal excellence. His extracurricular activities were scouting and karate and he became an Eagle Scout.

In keeping with his strong sense of community, Dr. Harper also served as the Coordinator of the Health Ministry and Kijana, the Young Men’s Rights of Passage program, at First Afrikan Presbyterian Church. He was an active member of several Pan-African community organizations including National Black United Front, Organization of United African Peoples, Organization of African Unity, National Action Network, Friends of the Congo and the Pan-African Federalist Movement, at which he held the position of Research and Strategy Commissioner for North America. He maintained a special interest in Environmental Health and carried on the legacy of strong environmental advocacy for environmental justice that he and his late wife cultivated together. Dr. Harper became a devoted member of Citizens for a Healthy and Safe Environment (CHASE) in 2009. He often spoke at county commission meetings, city council meetings, protests and rallies educating the community about the adverse health impacts of hazardous waste and toxic chemicals. He was elected to the position of Vice-President of CHASE on August 12, 2022.

Darren Shomari was a dedicated husband, father, brother and grandfather, a loyal and devoted friend and a strong advocate for causes that support the Black community and the African diaspora. Being an example of a strong Black family unit was one of his lifelong passions. He was a strong supporter of his late wife especially throughout the latter part of her life. He was charismatic, jovial and a strong supporter of all who knew him. He had a way of making all in the community feel welcome and valued.

Dr. Harper was preceded in death by his wife Janice Teheera Nichols Harper, his father Leroy Harper and his parents-in-law Rufus and Janet Nichols. He leaves to celebrate his living legacy, his beloved children Nia, Kamau and Malik, his 91 year old mother, Althea Harper, for whom he served as a dedicated caregiver until the end of his life. His older brother Dennis Harper, his younger brother, who is jokingly referred to as his twin because of their lifelong closeness, Dr. Brian Harper (Penni). His brothers-in-law, Dr. Ronald (Sati) Nichols, Rev. Dr. Reginald (Vanessa) Nichols and Roy Nichols. His cherished grandchildren Jalen, Zenzele, Manelin, Naade, Mansa, Asante-Taheera and Mandel. Nieces and nephews (Averi, Omari, Russell, Troy, Ryan, Therren, Aaron, Austin, Lauren, Yejide, Aliyiah) and a host of Aunts, Uncles, cousins, godchildren and friends. Click here to read entire dedication!