Is a Lenny Harris Field in Alexandria's Future?
The city is seeking public comment on renaming Braddock Field the Lenny Harris Field, in memory of the community activist.
The City of Alexandria seeks public comment on a proposal to rename Braddock Field at George Washington Middle School the Lenny Harris Field.
The park is located at 1005 Mt. Vernon Ave. at the intersection of E. Braddock Road and Mount Vernon Avenue.
Lenny (Lenwood) Harris founded Operation Hope, an Alexandria-based organization that sponsored programs for youth and teens, in addition to initiating and supporting many political activities and programs for community development.
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Harris also founded the One Love Festival, an annual festival initiated for the purpose of bringing people together in unity and love to foster positivity and self-empowerment. He was involved in many grassroots programs for more than 25 years, sat on several committees for community and social development, and supported many programs for youth which were successful due to his personal touch with the community.
Harris was murdered in September 2011 in Fort Washington, Md.
The public is invited to provide comment on the proposal to name the field Lenny Harris Field through April 12.
The proposal was forwarded by the Lenny Harris Legacy Corporation.
Those interested in providing comments will be able to record their comments by email to jack.browand@alexandriava.gov, subject line: Lenny Harris Field, or may be mailed to RPCA, Attn: Jack Browand, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria VA 22314.
Editor's Note: This article has been updated to reflect the correct date of Harris' death.
Matt Harris
8:42 am on Friday, March 22, 2013
It absolutely should be named after Lenny Harris! BTW, he was not murdered in January 2012, but I believe in September 2011.
Sharon McLoone
2:56 pm on Friday, March 22, 2013
Thanks Matt. You are right. January 2012 is when the body was found.
Pat Malone
9:41 am on Friday, March 22, 2013
This is a great idea! Lenny should always be remembered for the great work that he did in Alexandria, and the legacy of love and friendship that he left with all of us. Lenny and I used to cut up, laugh, and joke about our lives, and we'd always leave each other with a big smile on our face. Renaming Braddock Field would be a great tribute to Lenny for all of us who knew him, as well as for those who he tried to help out in his life, as well.