On April 17, 1987 the Harris
family introduced another link in the village circle to the
South Side of Chicago and the world. Their vision, and that
of the circle, has exceeded their expectations as Ravaughn,
the eldest of three sons, has not only become a beacon
within his extended family, but a highly respected achiever
in the Chicago community. He has consistently committed
himself to doing what he could to strengthen his community.
His spirit has driven him to ‘give back’ and nurture others
growing up in the community, as well as, work to afford them
access to even greater opportunities than he himself has
received.
As an achiever, Ravaughn’s
successes date back to his days at the Chatham-Avalon
Pre-School Day Care Center and Kindergarten. It was there
that his teachers and the community grasped the full breath
of his academic talent and his thirst for learning.
Ravaughn went on to Beasley Elementary Magnet Academic
Center School, where his academic record was stellar. He
graduated from Beasley in 2001 and it was no surprise that
he did so with honors.
Ravaughn attended Neal F.
Simeon Career Academy. He was inducted into the National
Honor Society and was recognized as a model student. His
peers still speak of his leadership, his respect of the
rights of others, and his desire to lend a hand. As a model
citizen and leader on campus, Ravaughn’s teachers always
spoke of him as disciplined, focused, and respectful. It
was this trust and respect which earned him an appointment
as a student assistant in the Driver Education Department.
Another gift of Ravaughn’s became evident as he emerged as
an outstanding athlete. He became a noted leader among his
teammates. His good grades and strong academic performance
never suffered as he continued to participate in organized
sports throughout his schooling.
In the fall of 2005, Ravaughn
enrolled in Tennessee State University at Nashville. As a
junior this past spring and summer, he had plans to work
diligently to graduate on schedule with a Bachelor of
Science degree in Business Administration in 2009. And even
with a heavy course load, Ravaughn worked a part-time job
(as he always did, whether paid, or volunteer). He thought
that this would help him grasp first-hand what it took to
maintain a business so that it can sustain and support
communities.
Ravaughn’s love of community
and desire to ‘give back’ spawned his decision to major in
business. As he shared with his father, he believes that
this is the way that he can best use his talents. ‘A
business degree will allow me to use my talents to give back
to the community, and become a backbone for strengthening
the village.’
Ravaughn’s dream and that of
the village circle was turned upside down this spring, on
April 28, 2008, when he was arrested and charged with two
counts of murder and armed robbery. These charges came
despite the fact that Ravaughn was not at the scene of the
crime that took place at a pizza parlor in Nashville last
October. Though incarcerated in Nashville, Ravaughn has not
given up, and neither has the village. He remains strong,
confident, and focused on his educational path and dreams.
Our circle is working overtime to keep him and his family
strong and make sure that he will get that chance to live
his dream.
Significant funds and
support are needed for Ravaughn’s legal defense. Your
contributions, letters of support, and prayers are so
desperately needed to overcome the monstrous charges of
which Ravaughn has been charged. For more information on
Ravaughn and this case, you may visit our contact link on
www.khepera.org. We pray that you will join the circle and unite
with us as we seek to bring our beloved son home.
