June Fair-Harris was born into poverty at Valley View Hospital in Ada, Oklahoma during the late 1950’s. June, being the 5th of 8 children was the 1st of her siblings born in a hospital setting. Until 1971 her family lived in an old uninsulated dilapidated shack that had no indoor plumbing. Winters were cold and summers were hot. Government-issued commodities were their primary source for meals during those years of lack. June grew up in the small town of Stonewall, Oklahoma where she attended integrated public schools. June’s parents attended segregated schools and both received a 10th grade education. June’s father worked as a service station attendant and her mother initially worked as a dishwasher and later a cook.
After graduating from high school, June became a 1st generation college student after receiving financial assistance from a generous donor who lived in her hometown. Through God’s grace, the trajectory of June’s life changed. Statistics had already predicted she wouldn’t graduate from high school. June received her Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1983 from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma and followed a career path to Wichita, Kansas where she worked with Special Needs students,
In 1987, June changed careers and began working for Sedgwick County Department of Corrections at Judge James Riddel Boys Ranch in Goddard, Ks. June found her niche in working with male juvenile offenders. In her years of work it became apparent that her students had taught her so much. She learned compassion and mercy on another level. She learned to think outside the box. She discovered the effectiveness and value of building healthy relationships. June retired in 2016, as Corrections Shift Supervisor.
Writing has always been a type of therapy for June. It was something that came natural to her. She began writing her 1st book in 1995 but lacked the confidence to seek out publication. In 2007 she began writing again and became a published author in 2010 after completing Book 1, Varsity Dreams.
Varsity Dreams is a children’s book for 3rd grade students and above. June’s character, Jimmy Jenkins is a gifted basketball player in need of a pair of basketball shoes. His family cannot afford to buy him a pair. The book vividly describes some of the challenges faced by children living in poverty. So often, children living in poverty are left trying to solve the problems of meeting basic needs.
In 2020, June completed Cattle on a Thousand Hills which is the sequel to Varsity Dreams. June’s character, Jimmy Jenkins continues his journey through a maze of interpretation in Book 2. Through it all he comes to understand that his Varsity Dreams came to fruition through Cattle on a Thousand Hills.
June resides in Wichita, Kansas. June’s three adult children, Lance (Alexandria), Jordan (Marissa) and Lindsay Harris also reside in Wichita along with her eight grandchildren, Mariah, Michael, Lincoln, Londyn, Lane, Mason, Landan and Lilly Harris.
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Varsity Dreams
Varsity Dreams by June Fair-Harris
Fiction, Sports
Pages: 58
It's all about the shoes! At least that's the way teen Jimmy Jenkins feels, and the perfect pair of sneakers is the one thing he needs to start him on a successful path to basketball superstardom.
However, prayer and a small savings from a summer job have not gotten Jimmy any closer to his goal. He suffers further setback when he sacrifices all of his savings to help his family in a time of crisis. How can this sacrifice be the key to realizing his varsity dreams? Only Heaven knows.
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Cattle on a Thousand Hills (Varsity Dreams Sequel)
Cattle on a Thousand Hills by June Fair-Harris
Fiction, Sports
Pages: 47
Jimmy Jenkins' journey from Varsity Dreams continues in the sequel, Cattle on a Thousand Hills.
Jimmy is awestruck as a result of his latest blessing. A lady in a white hat had just changed his life and he was unable to meet her or express his gratitude. Jimmy is convinced she was dispatched from heaven. Would he ever have the opportunity to thank her?
A new school year has begun and Jimmy is excited about being on the varsity basketball team. Jimmy continues to be led by his heart. In doing so, he discovers an even bigger picture. Follow Jimmy on this next journey.
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Broken to Break Barriers: Candid Conversations with Mr. Cleo Littleton
Broken to Break Barriers by June Fair-Harris
Non-Fiction, Sports, Black History
Pages: 38
Sometimes the combination of humble beginnings, perseverance and the hand of God have a unique ability to birth giants. Giants usually have huge hearts and are equipped to lead people into the arena of greatness.
This is how I would describe the makings of Cleo Littleton. He was born in an all-Black settlement in rural Oklahoma during the Great Depression.
Cleo's parents migrated to Wichita, KS in the 1930's. Cleo was faced with many barriers as a result of segregation and Jim Crow laws.
Cleo's plight did not make him bitter because he used every obstacle to make himself better. Although he didn't have a blueprint for his life, his vision for change was always alive in his heart. He carefully nurtured his dreams and they manifested. Today, Cleo's name is attached to so many "Firsts."