The Harris Family

The Dynasty Behind Harris-Simmons

Long before the rise of the Black Camelots, there was the Harris family.

For generations, the Harris family built, led, and protected Harris-Simmons Media Company, transforming it into one of America's most respected and influential media organizations. Their vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence established a legacy that extended far beyond journalism, touching politics, business, philanthropy, and public life.

Although admired by many, the Harris family was not without its divisions. Personal rivalries, difficult choices, family secrets, and differing visions for the future shaped each generation.

Those triumphs and struggles would ultimately alter the course of American history.

Oliver Harris Sr.

Founding Partner of Harris-Simmons Media Company (Deceased)

Oliver Harris Sr. was the co-founder of Harris-Simmons Media Company and the patriarch of the Harris family legacy.

After graduating from Harlowe University, Oliver and his close friend and classmate, Horace Simmons, founded what would become one of America's most influential media companies. Together, they built Harris-Simmons on the principles of journalistic excellence, integrity, and public service.

Years later, declining health forced Horace Simmons to retire earlier than expected. Trusting no one more than his lifelong friend, Horace sold his ownership interest in the company to Oliver, ensuring that Harris-Simmons would remain in capable hands.

Under Oliver's leadership, the company continued to grow into a national media powerhouse, establishing a tradition of excellence that future generations of the Harris family would inherit.

Though long deceased, Oliver Harris Sr.'s vision continues to shape both Harris-Simmons and the world of Black Camelot.

Oliver Harris Jr.

Former President and Chief Executive Officer

Oliver Harris Jr. is one of the most respected leaders in Harris-Simmons history.

Following a distinguished career as President and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver became the elder statesman of both the Harris family and Harris-Simmons Media Company. His wisdom, integrity, and long-term vision earned him the admiration of colleagues and competitors alike.

Recognizing Donald Alexander's extraordinary leadership potential, Oliver became one of his greatest mentors. Believing that dark forces threatened Donald Alexander, Kwame Mills, and Samantha Rivers, Oliver arranged for their admission into the Guiding Force, ensuring they would receive its protection.

Even after his death, Oliver's influence continues to shape the lives and decisions of the Black Camelots.

Gill Harris

President and Chief Executive Officer

Gill Harris represents a new generation of Harris family leadership.

A visionary executive, Gill believed Harris-Simmons should be led by talent, character, and leadership rather than privilege or pedigree. Determined to modernize the company, he selected Donald Alexander as the executive best suited to lead Harris-Simmons into the future.

That decision challenged decades of tradition and changed the course of countless lives.

Gill's leadership marks one of the defining turning points in the Black Camelot saga.

Cornwall Harris

Former President and Chief Executive Officer

Cornwall Harris is the black sheep of the Harris family.

Brilliant but deeply flawed, Cornwall's personal choices created lasting divisions within both his family and Harris-Simmons. His complicated relationships and controversial decisions continue to cast a long shadow over those closest to him.

Although no longer at the center of the company's leadership, Cornwall remains one of the most consequential figures in the Harris family story.

Samantha Rivers

A Harris by Birth

Samantha Rivers is Cornwall Harris's daughter.

Intelligent, compassionate, and quick-witted, Samantha grows into one of the three celebrated Black Camelots. Her connection to the Harris family places her at the intersection of two extraordinary worlds—the Harris family legacy and the future represented by the Black Camelots.

Her journey becomes one of the defining stories of the series.

Wynne Shields

Senior Harris-Simmons Executive

Wynne Shields is Cornwall Harris's son and a senior Harris-Simmons executive.

A product of the company's old culture, Wynne represents the traditions, privileges, and assumptions that dominated Harris-Simmons for generations. His outlook often places him at odds with those seeking to move the company in a new direction.

The Harris Legacy

The Harris family's influence extends far beyond a single company.

From Oliver Harris Sr.'s partnership with Horace Simmons to the leadership of Oliver Harris Jr. and Gill Harris, the family built one of America's great media institutions while shaping generations of leaders who followed.

Through triumphs and failures, wisdom and mistakes, the Harris family laid the foundation upon which the Black Camelot saga unfolds.

Without the Harris family, there would be no Harris-Simmons.

Without Harris-Simmons, there would be no Black Camelots.

Their story is the beginning of everything.