He is noted for an 1890 speech given to the state house in support of an appropriations bill for a monument to Confederate veterans of the American Civil War.
Like fellow African American lawyer Nathan S. Taylor, studied law in the offices of Percy and Yerger, one of the best firms in Greenville.
In December 1873, Harris attempted to disbar fellow African American lawyer, John D.
The speech was in part a reply to opposition to the monument led by white representative Ed S.
[16] In 1905, Harris became a leader in the Mississippi state affiliate of the Booker T. Washington founded the National Negro Business League.
[17] He was also a member of the Knights and Daughters of Jacob, a fraternal organization which worked to raise money to support widows and orphans.