Finding Strength in Words: Khadija Harris’ Story
At just 42 years old, Khadija Harris has embraced a life rich with passion, creativity, and a deep commitment to inspiring others. Now, as she receives care from Gilchrist, Khadija’s remarkable journey continues to touch the hearts of everyone she meets, leaving an enduring impact through her strength and creativity.
A Passion for Teaching and Community
Khadija was born at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, to parents Gina Harris and Wilburn Harris Jr. She was raised in a nurturing and ambitious household alongside her older brother, Daudi, where creativity and determination were always encouraged. After her parents divorced, her mother, brother, and she settled in Baltimore, MD. Tragedy struck when her mother became sick, prompting them to move to Newport News, Va., to live with Khadija’s aunt until her mother passed away.
After graduating high school, Khadija moved back to Maryland to attend college, relocating to Baltimore to live with her godmother, Lynne—whom she lovingly refers to as her fairy godmother. At Morgan State University, she earned a bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in creative writing. Her literary journey led her to publish two novels and numerous poems featured in various publications. Writing under her stage name, Golden Infamous da Angel, Khadija became a prominent spoken word artist in the Baltimore community, gracing open mic nights with her powerful performances.
“Poetry is my life,” Khadija once said. “I began writing at fourteen or fifteen when I needed a way to cope with my problems. Poetry became my outlet and gave me the power to bring my words on the page to life. When all else fails to inspire me, poetry finds a way.”
Khadija’s love for storytelling extended to the classroom, where she taught 5th grade English/Language Arts in Baltimore City. She also founded a vibrant fashion line, G-N-A Designs, where she took pride in designing unique pieces that reflected her dynamic personality. Whether through words or fashion, her mission remained the same—to inspire at least one person to reach for their dreams.
Khadija’s Journey with Gilchrist
In recent years, Khadija’s life took a difficult turn when she was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease. Because Khadija was always independent and well-prepared, she had all her affairs in order for the transition. Now residing in a nursing home, her once fast-paced life has slowed, but her spirit remains strong. Since joining hospice care with Gilchrist in September 2024, she has found comfort in Gilchrist’s life enrichment programs, like visits from our pet therapy dogs and weekly volunteer visits providing companionship and connection.
Lisa Konstas, a Gilchrist volunteer, has been visiting Khadija weekly. During their visits, they listen to music together. “Khadija loves jazz and has broadened my horizons in that genre, and I’ve broadened hers by branching out beyond jazz,” Lisa says. Lisa also shares that Khadija enjoys “self-care,” their weekly routine includes massages with lavender oil, manicures, and poetry readings, all accompanied by their music choice of the day. “Khadija is a beautiful soul inside and out,” Lisa adds.
On January 26th, Khadija celebrated her 42nd birthday with the help of Gilchrist staff and volunteers. Christine Broderick, Bereavement Administrative Coordinator, and Diane Sancilio, Director of Counseling and Support, granted Khadija’s wish to have her makeup done for the special day. “It was an honor to help make Khadija feel special on her birthday through a light makeup application. I hope it brought sunshine to her day!” Christine shares. Afterward, Lisa visited Khadija to celebrate along with Khadija’s aunt and godmother, creating a joyful and memorable occasion.
Despite the challenges she now faces, Khadija’s legacy continues to shine through the lives she has touched with her words, designs, and passion. Gilchrist’s compassionate care ensures she receives the dignity, comfort, and joy she deserves in her final moments.
Khadija’s Published Works
- A Vision I Had (January 2019, Contemporary Fiction) Available on Amazon
- The Death of Innocence (October 2021, a Baltimore City Love Story) Available on Amazon
Her poetry has been published in:
- The Best Poems of 2002
- The International Who’s Who in Poetry
An excerpt from her poem “Untitled”:
My bruises heal quickly, and nothing you say
To bring me down can shift me.
Swiftly, I move through tornados with grace and
Refuse to lose the smile I profile on my face in exchange
for frown and scowls and pouts.
I never quite preferred quiet whispers to loud shouts.
I am the spark that causes internal infernos.
Any obstacle you may set, I burn those.
I spit water like melon seeds in the form of words
To be heard, and to become airborne like a bird, to be flown,
To be thrown, to be owned by the sky.
I stumble. I fall. I get up. I fly.
To learn more about Gilchrist’s hospice program, visit https://gilchristcares.org/