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Growing up in Selma helped Michael Harris Jr. earn a degree at the University of Alabama. 

Harris, who graduated from Selma High four years ago, earned a B.S. degree in studio art with a minor in art history on May 4. 

“I thank God, my family, my friends, my mentors, my church, my schools, and my city for the impact they had on my life,” Harris said. 

At the Capstone in Tuscaloosa, Harris said he often received questions from classmates about the Queen City.

“Selma is known worldwide for its contribution to Voting Rights and because of that, any students who would ask me where I am from, I would proudly say Selma,” Harris said. “They would respond with, ‘how do you survive down there?’ I would tell them that it’s not as bad as it is portrayed and that crime and violence is universal, meaning it’s everywhere. Because of Selma, many people are who they are today, and I embrace that with proudness and a sense of humility.”

Harris said Selma High and Wallace Community College-Selma also played a key role in his development. While attending Selma, Harris earned an associate’s degree from WCCS in computer information systems.

“Selma High School, Wallace Community College, and the city of Selma all played vital roles in my tenure at the University of Alabama,” Harris said. “As far as Selma High School and Wallace Community College are concerned, they are doing their jobs in educating us, but it’s up to the individual to accept what they offer. I salute both schools.”

Harris said it was enjoyable attending Alabama during one of the greatest athletic runs in school history: the retirement of football coach Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide’s historic Final Four run in basketball. The Crimson Tide won a national title in football three seasons ago. 

“I am very proud to have attended and completed my studies under the Nick Saban era,” Harris said. “I was sad to see him retire, but he desires to enjoy his life without the everyday stresses of coaching and winning. My thoughts on the basketball team’s historic Final Four, I am proud of the team they worked hard to make it that far.”