Mississippi Got Something to Say

The small MS Delta town of Sledge is not only home to country singer Charley Pride but also to Keithdrick Harris, former athlete and alum of Tougaloo College. He grew up in a rather large family, being one of seven children. Keithdrick’s small town and big family background are two of the main driving forces of his success. Not only has he been driven to set an example for his family (he was the first person to graduate from college), but he also understands the importance of humility and giving back.

Keithdrick is a 2004 honor graduate of Madison Shannon Palmer High in Marks, MS. While there he was active in the national male mentoring program, YOU (Youth Opportunities Unlimited). He played basketball and football in addition to running track and cross country. He won various awards in each sport, including overall Best Offensive Player in basketball, two years of being Most Valuable Player in basketball, countless in track and field, and the coveted Champion of Character award. He was also named Mr. MSPH in his senior year. Keithdrick graduated with honors and in the top tier of his class. After high school, he attended Coahoma Community College on a full athletic scholarship where he received an Associate of Arts degree in Elementary Education in 2006. While attending school in Clarksdale, he won various awards in academics. He was awarded once again Most Valuable Player in basketball and played in the 2005 National Junior Community College Association All Star game. He played under Coach James Washington, one of his greatest mentors to date. Keithdrick credits his community college experience not just for his academics and athletics but molding him as the servant leader he is today. While there, he was active in the “Weekend Drives” for the homeless hosted by the college Athletics Department which led to him being awarded Volunteer of the Year.

Upon graduating from Coahoma Community College, Keithdrick wanted to further his education and his athletic skills. It was when his best friend, the late Ladren Davis, convinced him that he should attend Tougaloo College alongside himself, that he knew he would become a Bulldog. While there, he was active in Kappa Delta Phi International Honor Society of education, worked for Thompson Hospitality food services, and still managed to volunteer weekly. Also, being on an athletic scholarship, he played played basketball and ran cross country. He even helped Tougaloo College to receive its first Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championship in 2007. Some additional awards and accolades include: highest GPA among college athletes (3.80), being named 07-08 All-American, and yet again receiving Most Valuable Player.

In the midst of his senior year, he lost his mother, his hope and seemingly lost direction in his life. As one can imagine, it was tough on him after such a loss. Not only did he feel the personal pressures and pain of everything, he also knew that he had to be strong for his family. In spite of it all, God kept him and gave him purpose once again. In the Spring of 2009, Keithdrick obtained his Bachelors of Arts degree in Health and Recreation. However, shortly after graduating, Ladren was killed. Keithdrick gives much credit of his undergraduate success to his classmate and best friend. He knows that his guardian angels continue to carry him.

Not shortly after college, Keithdrick played semi-professional basketball in Las Vegas for the Maverick Sports Agency and also appeared at the famous Michael Hart Sports Camp. His stats included: averaging 18.7 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. He returned to Mississippi in 2010. Due to his love for motivating people and giving back, in 2015, he started his own business called HNH Errand Service. He later changed the name to Oceanside Preservation, LLC. It’s a property management company that preserves, restores, and maintains various commercial and residential properties in the Metro Jackson and Greater Gulf Coast areas. His company works on restoring whole areas and increasing local homeowners’ property value all the while promoting a positive and safe environment for youth.