Harry Roland was a street orator whose rhyming reminders and remembrances of the attacks on 9/11 kept memories alive long after they occurred.
- Died: May 23, 2024 (Who else died on May 23?)
- Details of death: Died of a heart attack in New York City at the age of 70.
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Harry Roland’s legacy
Raised in Harlem and living in Jersey City, New Jersey at the time, Harry Roland was, like many New Yorkers, profoundly impacted by the attacks of September 11, 2001. Unlike other natives, Roland made educating people about that tragic terrorism his identity and unofficial profession.
In the days, weeks, months, and years following the buildings’ leveling, Roland turned himself into “The World Trade Center Man,” a street orator who provided facts and information to passers-by, often in rhymes. He provided unofficial tours, education, and more – never with an agenda beyond just helping ensure people didn’t forget the facts and details about that fateful day.
Prior to 9/11, Roland worked a series of varied jobs, including being a mechanic, nightclub bouncer, taxi driver and photographer. After the attacks, when he fully immersed himself in his role as a street educator, he relied on tips and Social Security to make ends meet, often living with friends or in transitional housing. He was, for many, a mainstay at the site of the World Trade Center.
Notable quote
“History, don’t let it be a mystery! How many buildings were there before they were gone? Don’t get it wrong! Don’t say two, ‘cuz that’s not true!” — profile in the Los Angeles Times, 2011
Tributes to Harry Roland
Full obituary: The New York Times
