Growing up as the middle child of six children on Chicago’s West Side, Veronica “Vee” L. Harrison says she developed a knack for communicating, investigating, and being the source of information in her family naturally. Though some might refer to a youthful inquisitive nature as being “nosy“, Harrison views it more as a determination for knowledge that has proved to serve her well.
“If I don’t know it, watch how quickly I would figure it out!” Harrison says. “This was truly the foundation of my journalism career. Being in the middle of six kids, I knew everything. Still do!”
After graduating from Proviso West, where she served as class President and President of the National Honor Society, Harrison went on to earn her B.A. from Columbia College Chicago in 2010. During her time at the famed arts and media institute, she served as a journalism instructor for inner-city youth while promoting news literacy and Black-owned media. She’s been invited to speak at engagements across the nation in which she challenges the narrative of Black lives in relation to racial inequality, poverty, and social justice.
In addition to her work as an award-winning journalist, Harrison has worked in the publicity space for years for numerous clients, including her time spent as Campaign Press Secretary for Mayor Brandon Johnson. Since launching her company, Vee L. Harrison Communications in 2023, Harrison has worked steadily to build her brand and stay steadfast on her mission to reclaim cultural narratives through public engagement, local advocacy, and international relations.
N’DIGO recently sat down with the burgeoning media maven to learn more about her upbringing in Chicago’s tough Austin neighborhood and what motivates her to go the extra mile for her clients.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Vee L. Harrison?
Vee L. Harrison: I am simply a girl from the Westside of Chicago living out her dreams and helping to connect people.
What are three words family and friends would use to describe you?
Ambitious. Helpful. Nosy.
As a child, what did you dream you’d do for a living?
I knew early on that I’d be a writer. I would literally visualize it and see it for myself. When I told my momma at 8 years old that I knew I was going to be a writer, she looked at me and smiled and said reassuringly to me, “I know, baby.” Little did I know the writing was just a gateway to the PR, the marketing, and the wonderful world of media.
How did you discover your creative voice and knack for writing?
I first published under Vee L. Harrison during my junior year at Columbia College Chicago. It was up from there. I knew the world needed what I was writing. I blogged during my 20s… it was called From Vee to You. People were digging me… so I dug a bit deeper within myself to write deeper pieces. I published my breakthrough article with The TRiiBE about a Westside house party during COVID 19. The article went completely viral and changed how we talked about Black folks in Chicago. That article changed the city, and it changed me…
Please tell us about your company, Vee L. Harrison Communications.
At Vee L. Harrison Communications, we’re all about bringing visibility and awareness to Black stories that matter. Our motto is to stand firm on the principles of reclaiming cultural narratives through public engagement, local advocacy, and international relations. I represent businesses and individuals in this city who are highly respected and doing meaningful work. My firm isn’t meant to make millions. Our work ethic and reputation precede us.
How does your experience as an author and journalist inform your approach to your publicity work?
Like almost everything else, who you know and more importantly, who knows you will get you in doors and provide the inside track on various opportunities. My background as an author and journalist has always helped me to connect with all the right people to get things done for my clients. A lot of the people whom I have to work with on behalf of my clients are the same people I’ve been working with for years on the other side of things, so the familiarity and know-how definitely help. I am grateful to be respected in both worlds.
What is the biggest misconception about publicists that you frequently come across?
One of the biggest misconceptions I run into is when people assume PR reps are closer to the news anchors than they actually are and can just call up and order an appearance on a show. I am really good friends with some of those people you see reporting and covering this city, but it’s still a process. I still have pitch and do all the things.
Best advice you’ve been given?
Don’t take anyone’s advice. At a certain point, you just have to experience and learn for yourself.
Best advice you can give?
Be quiet sometimes and listen. You learn more when you’re quiet. I keep hearing my momma and daddy tell me this… so I’m quiet when they say it… so I can best understand.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“As an artist, you are responsible to reflect the times.” Nina Simone
What’s next for Vee L. Harrison Communications?
The future is bright with endless possibilities. Always looking to grow and continue helping our clients get the word out and connect with people.
For more information on Vee L. Harrison, connect with her on LinkedIn and across social media @veelharrison
