Harrison Benjamin Wilson III Ethnicity, Race & Heritage: Is He Mixed Race? Full Background Explained

Quick answer: Harrison Wilson III is African-American — he comes from African-American heritage with family roots in the American South, tracing back to enslaved ancestors.

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What Is Harrison Wilson III's Ethnicity?

Harrison Benjamin Wilson III is African-American. He is the father of NFL quarterback Russell Wilson and represents African-American heritage with deep roots in American history. Harrison passed away at age 55 after battling diabetes, but his legacy and influence shaped his son's values and character.

Parents and Family Heritage

Russell Wilson's heritage through his paternal side is Pan-African, meaning his roots stretch across the entire African continent. His paternal great-grandfather, Harrison, was the son of John Lyle Wilson, who was born into slavery, and Martha Ellen Coles. This genealogy traces Russell's African-American heritage back to the slavery era and the subsequent freedom and achievements of African-Americans.

Educational Achievement

Harrison attended Dartmouth University, where he was a football and baseball player. As there were hardly any African American athletes on campus during his time, Harrison Wilson was a major contributor towards the initiation of the first black fraternity at Dartmouth, representing a commitment to African-American community building and institutional change.

Career and Service

Harrison pursued law after graduating from the University of Virginia in 1980 and worked as an attorney. His professional achievements in law represented success and leadership within American professional communities.

Family and Legacy

Harrison married Tammy Wilson, Russell's mother, and together they raised Russell and his siblings with strong values of education, faith, and service. Despite his early death from diabetes at age 55, Harrison's influence on his son Russell has been profound and lasting.

Visual Family Tree

Sources

• Who are Russell Wilson's Parents?
• Harrison B. Wilson - Wikipedia
• Russell Wilson Traces His Roots | Scholastic
• Long Strides: Harrison B. Wilson and HBCUs