'One Love' Organizers Plan to Carry on Harris' Legacy

The friends and family of Lenny Harris are looking to carry on the goodwill of the slain community activist at the 11th annual One Love Community Festival.

Scheduled for Aug. 18 from noon to 6 p.m. in the field next to , this year’s festival—officially dubbed The Lenny Harris One Love Legacy Festival—will be the first without Harris.

Harris founded the nonprofit Operation H.O.P.E. that presents the festival each year. The organization is dedicated to providing Alexandria citizens with alternative public services.

Keshaun Clark, an assistant vice president at Virginia Commerce Bank and an Operation H.O.P.E. board member, said every year Harris outfitted kids at the festival with new backpacks and school supplies for the upcoming school year.

“He did it all by himself, getting sponsors and donations,” Clark said.

Clark said Harris’ wife Deborah, who is spearheading this year’s festival, hopes to carry on the tradition. Organizers are seeking donations to carry on Harris' legacy.

Those interested in contributing can drop of backpacks and school supplies at located at 2401 Mt. Vernon Ave. or bring their donations to the festival.

The free festival will include moon bounces, face painting and rides for children. Go-go bands Suttle Thoughts and Faycez U Know are scheduled to perform. The festival will also include poetry reading, comedians and a DJ.

“I think everyone is going to do a little tribute to Lenny,” Clark said. “We’re all going to wearing shirts from his clothing line, and they’ll be available for purchase there.”

Harris . After a  in the case, his , in January. Police later determined he had been in . in connection with the murder.

Alexandrians in February.