Oscar Harris Breaks Through Barriers

Few people can say they helped shape the look of a city. But Oscar L. Harris, Jr, founder and president of Turner Associates can make that claim. From Centennial Olympic Park to Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, you can see the imprint of Oscar Harris. The new book, “Oscar! The Memoir of a Master Architect” takes you behind the scenes of crucial negotiations that opened the door for many minority architects and firms. It is no-olds barred account of what it took to break into one of the most exclusive professional circles…architecture. Many of the stories are not pretty and hard to take, but reflect the passion, aspirations and determination of a true artist who turned his creative energies into tangible works of beauty and substance.

Oscar started his business at a time when African Americans were denied and insulted. With frankness and a proven track record, Turner Associates went from nothing to perhaps the most successful and diverse portfolio architectural firms in America. Oscar lays it all on the table as he gives insight into what it took to revitalize Underground Atlanta, re-build major government buildings and justice centers, retail centers, create “the look” of the 1996 Olympic Games and so much more.

Oscar offers a blueprint of what he envisions for the future to be able to turn  around in his profession in particular, but our society at large. The book also includes spectacular sketches, drawings and photographs of some of Oscar’s biggest accomplishments.

But the story does not stop there. Harris tells how he is giving back and how he is working to make sure that future generations have a roadmap to success. Harris and his wife are truly two of the unsung heroes of our community. Now, they make their voices heard to the entire world and challenge others to do the same.

If you would like to talk with Oscar or schedule him for appearances and book signings, please contact me at sid@sidmelestes.com or 770-460-7647. I look forward to hearing from you soon and will contact you to gauge your interest in this trailblazing book.

Sidmel K. Estes

Media Manager and CEO

BreakThrough Inc. Media