The Light with Raymond Tyler
Pattie Harris is and will always be an icon in the world of arts and dance to the citizens and artists of Atlantic City. I could spend this entire article discussing her accomplishments such as appearing with Sherman Hemsely in the theatrical musical Purlie or dancing at The Club Harlem. We in the artistic community recognized the passing of Pattie Harris the icon on Sunday, february 14th 2021. We as artists however, mourn the passing of Pattie Harris, our mentor and friend. I have many stories about “Miss Pattie” that I will share another time, but for today, I want to give my fellow artists an opportunity to share their thoughts.
Alma Johnson – Atlantic City Arts Commissioner “I’ve known Pattie for years. We’ve taken three trips to Trinidad together and we had a ball. She was one of the best tap dancers to ever take the stage in Atlantic City. Every summer Pattie Harris would have the showcase for talented youth and give them the spotlight of performing at Kennedy Plaza. Pattie Harris made that spotlight available for youth from all over, regardless of color. She will be missed.”
Shawn Jones – Award Winning Dancer, Dance Instructor, Award Winning Writer-“Pattie was proud of the dancers we had become after years of training at Dancecraft. She was also proud of the people we had become. She knew she had left a lasting impression on our lives. I am a dance instructor, business owner, and confident Black woman because Pattie invested quality time in me for the 18 years I was a student at her dance studio and the four years I was a member of the Atlantic City Dance Theatre (ACDT). When the ACDT traveled the East Coast, she was our road mom. We wouldn’t dare call her mom or Miss Pattie, though. She didn’t play that!”
Princess Jones – Former Member of the Atlantic Dance Theatre. Princess danced professionally in Atlantic City and New York City. She also shared the stage with late musical icon, Michael Jackson. “Pattie was a COMPLETE institution and always on a mission for Dance, Theater, Black History, Black Pride, Education, Leadership, Feminism, and Self development.
That sister was ALL in. She was about getting things done! She threw down! She left it ALL on the field! A woman of action and true leadership. What a bright and fiery light she was. A true star.“
There were many more artists that offered stories and quotes and not enough room this time around.
On Sunday March 7th, my website www.DeepDopeSoul.com along with The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University are curating the first of 4 awards shows called South Jersey The Ladies In Arts (LIA) Awards. We had planned to award Pattie Harris one of our special Lifetime Inspiration Awards. We will still celebrate Pattie Harris as a Lifetime Inspiration for artists of South Jersey, for more information on this virtual celebration, please visit www.DeepDopeSoul.com. As Pattie Harris used to say “Keep on keeping on.”
You can connect with Raymond Tyler via Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram @RaymondTyler2018.
