Farmers Market Employee Makes a Fresh Start in Life

With a new farmers market in the Crenshaw District, shoppers say they are pleased to have organically grown fruits and vegetables available. But no one is happier about the market than Von Harris, the assistant manager.

As Harris strolled the Walton’s Crenshaw Certified Farmers Market, thumping watermelons and sampling blackberries, he rejoiced in the open-air job, a world apart from his four years in prison for cocaine sales.

While growing up near Manual Arts High School, Harris avoided the gangs by keeping busy at home practicing the cello and piano. “I was considered a goody-goody boy,” he said. “Of everyone around 43rd Street, I was the last one anybody thought would turn bad.”

Yet, after a stint in the Navy, turn bad he did, thanks to crack cocaine. “After being introduced to crack, all hell broke loose,” says Harris.

He was soon addicted and started selling crack, which landed him in prison. Harris says he has been clean for more than a year, and with his new job his life is finally back in tune.

He credits a stranger, Karen Coffee, with turning his life around. “I asked that sweet lady if I could clean her windows for a piece of chicken and she gave me $20 and made me promise to go to church. I did and found Jesus.”

The market, organized by businessman John Michael Walton and the nonprofit L.A. Community Services, will be open every Sunday at 3823 Crenshaw Blvd. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.