Harrison, Donald, Sr.
Dates
- Existence: 1933 - 1998
Biographical Statement
Donald Harrison, Sr. (1933-1998), longtime Mardi Gras Indian and founder of the Guardians of the Flame Mardi Gras Indians. Mr. Harrison was a former Big Chief of the Creole Wild West, Cherokee Braves, and White Eagles tribes before he organized the Guardians of the Flame in 1988.
Harrisonâs interest in the Mardi Gras Indian tradition stemmed from childhood after witnessing a street performance by Wild Man Herman Palmer of the Creole Wild West. His childhood found him following the neighborhood Uptown Indian gangs to learn the traditions and he began beading costumes at age 12. He masked for the first time as an Indian for Carnival in 1949. He studied the history of American Indians and while stationed at Fort Niagara in New York during the early 1950s he frequently visited the Seneca reservation. During these visits he learned ceremonial dances that he incorporated into his own performances.
As Big Chief of the Guardians of the Flame, he performed and lectured throughout the United States, and often visited local public schools to present the tradition to students. An avid lover of jazz, Harrison recorded with his son on Donald Harrison Jr.'s Indian Blues, and also recorded with Percussion Incorporated and appeared on a WWOZ Radio compilation CD. He toured Europe, lecturing at a university in Germany, and performed with visiting groups from New Zealand and at an Academy Awards party in Los Angeles. In 1997 he was awarded the Mayor's Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement by the Arts Council of New Orleans.
Harrison worked for the Postal Service for nine years, earning a Distinguished Service Award. He also was an executive board member and president of Hotel, Motel and Restaurant Employees Local Union No.166. He is survived by his wife, Herreast J. Harrison; three daughters, Cherice Harrison-Nelson, Michele J., and Cara Harrison; his son, jazz saxophonist Donald Harrison, Jr.; a brother, Edwin F. Harrison Sr.; two sisters, Yvonne Combre and Gloria Lee; and four grandchildren.