By Evan Ward
Pia Harris, a well-known San Francisco businesswoman and civic leader, has died after a brief illness. The 46-year-old mother of two recently opened her restaurant, Nia Soul, in the city’s western edition.
Pia spearheaded a revolutionary program empowering 90 Black entrepreneurs, unlocking $1.2 million in grants. But her work wasn’t confined to spreadsheets and funding approvals. She was in the trenches, mentoring business owners as they turned dreams into brick-and-mortar realities, breathing life back into the Fillmore Corridor.
Her vision wasn’t just for others; it was personal. Pia celebrated the opening of her first restaurant, a symbol of her entrepreneurial spirit and determination. She also established In the Black, a shared retail space uplifting Black entrepreneurs and fostering a sense of community in the Fillmore.
Pia’s impact wasn’t only measured in dollars. It was in the pulse of the city’s cultural heart. She orchestrated transformative events—Fillmore Juneteenth, the Western Addition Music Festival, and the legendary SF Reggae Festivals. With crowds surpassing 20,000, these gatherings weren’t just festivals; they were moments of unity, amplifying local businesses and celebrating the spirit of a thriving community.
Her achievements shone brightly. Pia was recently honored at the Sun-Reporter’s Talented 25 Celebration, a testament to her remarkable impact on San Francisco’s economic and cultural landscape.
Pia Harris’ legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the businesses she helped build, and the community she nurtured. San Francisco lost a dynamic force, but her work, her heart, and her laughter will echo in the corridors she helped revitalize.
