Today the future governor of Georgia turns 21.
Harris Goodman Wallace was born on this date in 2005, and almost from that moment until the present, he’s been campaigning. We didn’t know it at the time, but Harris would become a middle child, heightening his need to lobby for precious resources among his brothers, like food, hand-me-down clothes, money and his real currency, attention.
To secure this most desirable commodity, Harris developed the gift of gab early on. Even before he could read he took on the part in the church play with the most lines. He went on to play the Farmer in the Dell, Uncle Sam and Lysander in a variety of classroom productions. By high school his career shifted from dramatic roles to more straightforward presentations.
His freshman year at Parkview he began arguing cases before judges in mock trial competitions. In the 2022 state election cycle, he hosted a candidates forum, organizing, publicizing and moderating the event. He preached at church on Youth Sunday. He read the narration in the church Christmas cantata. He was one four student speakers at his high school graduation.
In sales, the mnemonic “ABC” stands for “Always Be Closing.” For Harris, “ABC” means “Always Be Campaigning.”
Having just concluded his junior year at Mercer University, Harris is not shy about public speaking, and he often shares with us ahead of time his opportunities to lead or give a speech. We’re proud of his accomplishments and love it when he lets us know when he’s out front and developing his skills.
Lately, he’s getting so many chances even he can’t keep up with telling us about all of them.
Imagine my surprise on April 16 at 8:31 p.m., as my Darling Beloved and I were settled in our comfy clothes watching Jack and Mel navigate the complications of adoption on another dramatic episode of “Virgin River,” only for my phone begin to, as the kids like to say these days, “blow up” with text messages.
These rapid-fire texts came from multiple sources and included photos of Harris behind a podium speaking to the Mercer University Trustees at a dinner. We knew he was attending the trustees dinner. We didn’t know he was speaking.
It’s a well known trope that in small Southern towns you can’t get away with anything. The frequency of Harris’ speeches has now reached the point that any time he’s behind a podium, we have dozens of “journalists” reporting on his whereabouts and activities.
It’s kinda great. Much better than a phone call that starts off with something like, “Do you know what your boy did?”
Of course we’re proud of our boys, but this particular form of affirmation not only lets us know Harris is of sound body, and presumably mind, it also confirms that he is doing what he loves and continuing to hone his skills.
One of my oft-repeated phrases is “All skill is experience in disguise.” Harris is strengthening this muscle by taking advantage of every opportunity.
This semester he was selected for a highly competitive presidential fellowship with new Mercer President Penny Elkins. This gave him access to many events and provided many opportunities to tell his Mercer story. My Darling Beloved and I caught up with him at such an event at the Capitol City Club in Brookhaven in February. President Elkins seamlessly wove an introduction of the students in attendance who each had a few minutes to tell their story.
Harris was succinct, impactful and memorable. He talked about the summer after his freshman year when he went to the Republic of Georgia to work with Ukrainian refugee children as a part of the Mercer on Mission program. He gained a new appreciation for the experience of traumatized children and described expertly what the Mercer slogan “Where everyone majors in changing the world” looks like in practice.
The next week he presented a paper on the Declaration of Independence at a conference hosted by Oglethorpe University. We made sure to catch his speech again. In a tight five minutes he held the audience’s attention, commanded the room and appeared to be completely at ease with the content and the context.
Harris will celebrate his 21st birthday this weekend with a “Sine Die” legislative-themed party at home. We’ll make speeches, introduce resolutions, and enjoy a screening of “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” I’ve never heard of such a party, but Harris is nothing if not original.
He’ll be home, putting his feet up after a busy semester of college, taking a well-deserved break before heading off to Washington, D.C., for a summer internship in the U.S. Senate.
It wouldn’t surprise me if I didn’t get a bunch of text messages from our spies some random June afternoon with pictures of Harris making a speech on the Capitol steps.
Twenty-one is a milestone in which many young adults go out and sow their wild oats. On this special day, Harris will be counting down until he reaches 30, the age when he can run for governor in Georgia.
Who knows what his actual future holds. But until all that works itself out, I’ll eagerly anticipate the next time one of his stump speeches generates “buzz” from the mobile phone in my pocket.
Happy birthday, Harris! We couldn’t be prouder.
New South Essays 