Jamar “Jayfatz” Harris was born to parents Vernelle Massey-Webb and Grover Lee Harris in Durham, North Carolina. From birth Fatz searched for ways to become involved in his community, being that his mother Vernelle was and still is a very active figure in many of the communities in and around Durham County. During adolescence years “Fatz” experienced the positive and negative elements of being raised in East Durham’s Edgemont community. With a sense of change and loyalty towards his hometown Jamar enrolled at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham in the spring of 2003. In 2007 he graduated with B.A. in History.

During his four years as a student at NCCU Harris became very active in his neighboring community by volunteerism and community service programs at NCCU. Harris feels his love for helping others has become a keystone in his life as he progressed from student to businessman. During his junior year, Fatz had the privilege of meeting Christopher “Play” Martin whom was the professor of the Hip Hop in Context course.

Being that “Fatz” was very outspoken and highly knowledgeable in the course of hip hop genre, it was only evident that Fatz would become one of Christopher’s favorite students. In 2008, Christopher approached Fatz with the opportunity of an anchors position for Martin’s “Brand Newz,” and none to say a star was born.

Currently Fatz has stood-out as one of the most recognizable and charismatic anchors for Brand Newz. Harris resides in Durham County where he is a mentor at the African American Male Leadership Academy. Also Harrris has plans to enter graduate school in the near future.

‘’What great thing for leaders that men do not read”

-Adolf Hitler