Support Reggie Harris After Mark Costes' Passing

On Saturday, October 19, 2024, poet, writer, and activist Reginald Harris’s long-time partner Mark Costes died after a six-week hospitalization for a viral infection and surgery for spinal osteomyelitis. Reggie and Mark were together for 36 years.

Also from Baltimore and spending part of his youth in Elyria and Lorriane, Ohio, Mark Costes graduated from Dennison University majoring in Economics and Math. After having various jobs in hospitality, with CSX transportation, and as a Corrections Officer at Baltimore City’s Pre-Trial Detention Center, he appeared to find his niche as a Counselor and Legal Liaison for Samaritan Daytop Village Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers. Mark spoke of furthering his education and going solo as a counselor with his own private practice.

As some of you know, 2024 has been especially tough for Reggie and Mark. Mark was briefly hospitalized in April and May of this year. Reggie has been freelancing since 2020, when staff was let go from Poets House during the pandemic. He received news of the passing of his eldest sister as he was on the way to the emergency room with Mark. Ironically, the day before Mark’s death, Reggie was hired by the Brooklyn Public Library and will be starting there in early November.

The coming days and next few months will be a difficult and painful time for Reggie, compounded by financial strain. We’ve set a modest goal of $5,000 to help with funeral expenses for Mark and to assist Reggie in covering living expenses as he works through this loss, starts a new job, and gets back on his feet. We invite those who can to contribute.

We hope that everyone who has known and benefited from Reggie’s enormous contributions to our poetry, library, and LGBTQ+ communities will offer their well wishes and support for Reggie Harris and, if they are able to do so, to help him financially as he deals with this profound loss and grief over the next few months.

Thank you.