OCII honors Reverend Aurelius Walker and remembers community leader Pia Harris

The Commission on Community Investment and Infrastructure used part of its July 15 meeting to present two commendations: one honoring Reverend Aurelius Walker for decades of community service and one recognizing the life and work of Pia Karen Harris.

Rev. Aurelius Walker, who the chair described as a 94‑year‑old Bayview leader and longtime advocate for housing, education and social justice, received a formal commendation read into the record. Community members, clergy and elected officials praised Walker's decades of service, including housing work, faith‑based outreach, and leadership in Bayview Hunters Point projects. Walker and several relatives and community allies spoke from the podium, recounting long histories of ministry, activism and neighborhood development.

The commission also presented a recognition for Pia Karen Harris (1978–2024), described in the commission's remarks as a community leader who advanced Black entrepreneurship, cultural programming and local economic development. Harris's mother, Adrienne Williams, and daughter Jasmine spoke at the meeting. Commissioners and members of the public spoke about Harris's contributions to the Fillmore corridor and local food and cultural enterprises; commissioners said staff would follow up if the family requests technical support for business continuity and legacy projects.

Public testimony for both recognitions included numerous community members who shared personal accounts of Walker's and Harris's local impact. The presentations were ceremonial and did not include any binding policy or budget action.