Early Life
At the time Harrison was born, his father, Charles Harrison Sr., was teaching industrial arts at Southern University in Louisiana. In 1936, the family moved to Texas where Harrison Sr. become a professor at Prairie View A&M University. Both Harrison Sr. and Harrison’s maternal grandfather were carpenters, and Harrison credits his interest and ability in design to their influence.
In 1945, the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona where Harrison attended George Washington Carver High School, an all-black high school. The school closed when integration became law in the 1950s, and is now a museum and cultural center celebrating the contributions of African-Americans; a room in the museum is dedicated to Harrison’s work.
Harrison was active in extracurricular activities at the high school, playing basketball and tennis, and participating in the band and chorus.
Read more about this topic: Charles "Chuck" Harrison
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