Passing of Harriet Chris High

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved NYS Conference staff member, Harriet Chris High. Please keep Janeen, her family, the State Conference and all who knew and loved her in your prayers.

Resolution in Loving Memory

of

Harriet Christina “Chris” High

Though your days among us were too brief and our grief at your loss is never-ending, we draw comfort from the knowledge that you have found safe refuge in the Lord and in our hearts, where no darkness or pain can touch you now. We bless you with love, light and our gratitude.

Whereas, Harriet Christina “Chris” High, passed from this life on December 13, 2021, and 

Whereas, Chris was a loving and devoted mother to Janien, a great sister, aunt and friend to many.

Whereas, Chris was employed by the New York City Off Track Betting Corporation for 35 years and served faithfully as an officer and member of the NAACP Off Track Betting Branch, and

Whereas, Chris joyfully commenced her employment as a NAACP New York State Conference staff member (Executive Assistant to the President); working tirelessly as office manager, coordinating state conventions, facilitating grant writing, fundraising and being of service to the fifty-seven NAACP New York State Conference Branches.

Whereas, Chris’s legacy of excellence, moral clarity and a joyful spirit will continue to inspire her loved ones and NAACP family.

And therefore, be it resolved that we bow in acceptance of the perfection of God’s plan to each of us into His merciful arms when we have fulfilled our task on this earth.

Chris was a woman of today whose enlightened leadership sought creative and effective ways to improve society. She was a human being made to move forward determined by the words of the poem “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley.

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be 

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate

I am the captain of my soul.

Be it further resolved, that a copy of this resolution be given to the family and a copy kept in the NAACP New York State Conference archives.

Respectfully submitted on the 30th day of December, 2021 on behalf of the Officers and Members of the NAACP New York State Conference, New York, New York.

Dr. Hazel N. Dukes

President

NAACP New York State Conference