Uncrowned Community Builders

Yvonne Mildred Harris, known in the storytelling world, as, Big Momma Boo, was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She now resides in Buffalo, New York with her husband of 39 years, Riley Harris. She has two sons, Derrick Durwood Harris who resides in Albany, New York, and Jamal Terrence Harris who resides in Cheektowaga, New York with his wife Tanima. She has two grandchildren, Jamal Terrence, Jr. and Janelle Tiffany Harris who she lovingly calls ââ?¬Å?Baby Booââ?¬ and Lady ââ?¬Å?Jââ?¬.

She is a graduate of Lewis Business College in Detroit, Michigan where she earned an Associates Degree in Business Administration (Accounting). She also attended Wayne State University and Easter Michigan College.

Yvonne was employed in the Federal Government family for 42 years; her last 35 years were with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Before her retirement in 2004, she was Senior Project Manager, and was responsible for the oversight of 61 multi-family housing properties in Western New York. Her primary goal was to ensure the physical integrity for moderate income families, seniors, frail elderly and the handicapped. She was instrumental in opening computer-learning centers at twenty-two housing facilities in New York State. The opening of thee centers allowed the families to become more marketable in the work force.

Yvonne is a Christian woman who places God at the Head of all that she doesââ?¬â?aiding both her community and others through kind works of encouragement as well as good deeds. She is admired for her dedication and stewardship to God, family and community. Yvonne is a member of Calvary Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, where she has served as Sunday School Superintendent since 1983. She is limitless in her endeavors to lead and mentor to children in the Christian way. She is a member of the Missionary Society, sings with the Praise Team, and is Director of the Board of Christian Education and past advisor to the Acolytes for which she has served faithfully for 20 years. She recently organized and coordinated a Praise Dance Ministry and Drama Ministry at the Church.

Yvonne loves to educate and encourage others through her talented gifts of art and drama. She is currently serving a second term as President of the UJIMA Theatre Company and is a member of the Board of Directors. Yvonneââ?¬â?¢s creative nature allows her to entertain groups through the art of storytelling. In 2002 she was recipient of the ARTIE Award from the Arts Council of Western New York for her outstanding acting debut in the play, ââ?¬Å?Somebody Called.ââ?¬ The play was produced at the Ujima Theatreloft.

Yvonne is a member of the Tradition Keepers: Black Storytellers of Western New York; the National Association of Black Storytellers and is a member of Daughters of Creative Sound where she plays the Jembe drum.
Yvonne is eternally grateful to God for her late nurturing parents, George L. and Frances E. Raines and for the many other people who have touched and enriched her life.