On March 14th, Carla Harris was named the next recipient of Notre Dame University's Laetare Medal, said to be "the most prestigious honor given to American Catholics". The ceremony will occur during the 176th UND commencement exercises on Sunday, May 23rd.
Harris is a finance executive, twice named one of Barron's 100 Most Influential Women in US Finance (including this year) and in 2017 one of Essence Magazine's “Top 50 Women Who Are Shaping the World”. She is also active in the public square, as a prolific public speaker (having given a TED Talk in 2018) and gospel recording artist.
She was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2015 and currently resides in New York City, where she attends the merged parish of St Charles Borromeo, Resurrection and All Saints in Harlem.
In honor of her momentous achievement, Jenarío Morgan offers a poetic reflection:
"Her genius"
The intelligence of a library, filled with knowledge and instruction
A voice like a sparrow that becking enterprising mergers, correlating strategies for tomorrow.
Her authenticity is clear like a lark singing,
Quoting dividends to set up capital economics that matters
Lifting hearts to Jesus in strong vibrant round
Her sounds to the heavens or Carnegie Hall
The presence angelic with her compassion
Mentoring, counseling helping you to feel ten feet tall
This magnificent black woman can do it all
Speaking at rallies, to help Harlem’s neighborhood to a Renaissance, creating opportunity in children’s eyes
Motivating Father's Homily with a stirring rendition of a strong Negro spiritual
Carla Harris, you are America's Shero
Jenarío Decarlo Morgan is a native Detroiter, resident of South Bend, husband, and father of two. Currently a paraprofessional at South Bend Riley High School, for 12 years he taught theology in Detroit—where he was the first diversity director for the local Knights of Columbus. (He is also a former Grand Knight.)
