Elihu M. Harris papers, 1968-1998

Printable guide [HTML]

Summary

Creators:: Harris, Elihu, 1947-
Abstract:: The Elihu M. Harris Papers consist of reports, photographs, subject files, and administrative and financial records documenting Harris' political career as the mayor of Oakland, California from 1991-1999 and as co-owner of KDIA radio station from 1992-1996.
Extent:: 42 linear feet (35 boxes + 3 oversized boxes)
Language:: Languages represented in the collection: English
Preferred citation:: Elihu M. Harris papers, MS 085, African American Museum & Library at Oakland, Oakland Public Library. Oakland, California.

Background

Scope and content:

The Elihu M. Harris Papers consist of reports, photographs, subject files, and administrative and financial records documenting Harris' political career as the mayor of Oakland, California from 1991-1999 and as co-owner of KDIA radio station from 1992-1996.The papers are organized into five series: I. City of Oakland. Office of the Mayor records II. KDIA radio station III. Photographs IV. Biographical material V. Assorted printed material.

The bulk of the collection are reports and subject files documenting Harris' term as mayor of Oakland. Subject files include documentation demonstrating Harris' focus on improving economic development and public safety in Oakland. Records related to Harris' co-ownership of KDIA radio station include the station's business plan, promotion and advertising material, legal documents related to the station's purchase in 1996, and financial records. Photographs in the collection include portraits taken of Harris as mayor of Oakland and photographs taken at public events including President Bill Clinton's visit to Oakland in 1993. Biographical material consists of mostly newspaper clippings, financial records, plaques awarded to Harris during his time as mayor, and a biographical sketch.

Biographical / historical:

Politician and attorney Elihu M. Harris (1947-) was born to Frances and Elihu Harris Sr. in Los Angeles, California on August 15, 1947. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Berkeley, California where he attended public schools graduating from Berkeley High School in 1965. After graduation, he enrolled at California State College at Hayward majoring in Political Science, serving as the student body vice president, and graduating with honors in 1968. The following year he graduated with a Master's Degree in Public Administration from University of California Berkeley's Graduate School of Public Policy and his Juris Doctor degree from University of California School of Law in 1972.

He entered politics as an administrative assistant (1974-1975) to Congresswoman Yvonne Brathwaite Burke and California Assemblyman John J. Miller. He was first elected to the California State Assembly in 1978 as a Democrat representing the cities of Alameda, Berkeley, and Oakland in California's 13th Assembly District. He was reelected in five consecutive elections in 1980, 1982, 1984, 1986, and 1988 and while in the Assembly served as the Chairman of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and was a member of the Ways and Means Committee, Judiciary Committee, and Health Committee and Transportation Committee.

Harris ran as a candidate for the mayor of the City of Oakland in 1990 defeating sitting Oakland mayor Lionel Wilson and Councilman Wilson Riles Jr. in a run-off election. As mayor Harris focused on transitioning the city to a 'strong mayor' form of municipal government by promoting Measure F, a city charter revision that was defeated in 1996. In addition to Measure F, he focused on improving Oakland's public safety and economic development.

In 1992, he purchased KDIA radio station with former California Assembly Speaker Willie Brown. They owned the historic Black radio station until it was purchased by Baybridge Communications in 1996. He was appointed by California governor Gray Davis to the California Unemployment Appeals Board (2000-2003) and served as chancellor of the Peralta Community College District from 2003-2010.

Acquisition information:

The Elihu M. Harris Papers were donated to the African American Museum Library at Oakland by Elihu Harris on March 5, 1998.

Processing information:

Inventory of collection was created by Sean Heyliger and Sean Dickerson on December 14, 2017. Finding aid created by Sean Heyliger on December 30, 2017.

Arrangement:

Series I. City of Oakland. Office of the Mayor Series II. KDIA radio station Series III. Photographs Series IV. Biographical Series V. Assorted printed material

Rules or conventions: