A Brother’s Legacy: How Harlan Miller Is Changing Bridgeton One Child at a Time
Photo courtesy of KYMO Facebook
BY MADISON JOLLEY | For AC JosepH Media
BRIDGETON — For Harlan Miller, community service is not just a calling. It is a promise he made to himself, to the city of Bridgeton, and to his late twin brother, Haron Miller.
Born and raised on Cohansey Street, Harlan Miller, the cofounder of KYMO (Keeping Young Minds Occupied) with his brother, experienced firsthand the dangers and hardships that many young people in Bridgeton still face today.
Growing up in the 1980s, he and Haron were immersed in the struggles of the streets. Their lives followed a difficult path for many years, and Harlan ultimately served seven and a half years in prison. But in 2001, everything began to change.
“We started giving back to the community with a music program,” Harlan Miller told Front Runner New Jersey about the start of his nonprofit, which co-hosted a Community Unity Day in Bridgeton on Saturday.
“It started with a small recording studio where we taught kids how to read music, write songs, and express themselves. It gave them something to be proud of. That was the beginning of KYMO.”
Keeping Young Minds Occupied was the brothers’ answer to the cycle of violence and hopelessness they witnessed around them. Since its founding, the nonprofit has served youth across Cumberland County, offering mentorship, artistic development, life skills training, and a safe environment to grow.
Many participants have gone on to receive music degrees and even sign major record deals. Harlan’s own son, Dasmere Johnson, is signed up to the publishing powerhouse APG under Mike Caren. Another student is currently thriving in Atlanta’s music scene as a songwriter and producer.
But for Harlan Miller, KYMO was never just about music. It was about giving kids a different way to see themselves. Whether through peer mentoring, accountability workshops, or career exploration, every aspect of KYMO is designed to help youth avoid the same pitfalls Harlan and Haron faced.
In 2022, tragedy struck. Haron Miller passed away suddenly from a brain aneurysm. His loss was a deep personal and professional blow to Harlan, who had worked side-by-side with his brother for 50 years.
“It has been hard,” Harlan Miller admitted. “We did everything together. We balanced each other out. I could always call him when I needed something, and now I have to handle everything myself. But I keep going, because this is what we started. And it is what he would want me to continue.”
Since then, Harlan has leaned on longtime partners like Tony Hill, who operates a game truck and has supported KYMO events for more than two decades. He also credits his wife, Latoya Miller, for keeping the family and mission strong.
Latoya not only co-manages KYMO’s community efforts, she is also an entrepreneur in her own right. She runs her own nonprofit that uplifts and empowers women, and she is responsible for decorating many of the city’s public events.
The family’s commitment to Bridgeton has grown through an unexpected but powerful partnership with the Bridgeton Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ). The collaboration began when Stephanie Gonzalez, a UEZ leader, noticed KYMO’s truck parked outside their former building. That initial connection has evolved into an active relationship, with Harlan and Latoya helping organize city events throughout the year. Harlan oversees the Fun Zone and youth entertainment, while Latoya brings her creative flair to each space.
One of their biggest efforts this summer is Unity Day, which took place on Saturday, July 26. Organized by KYMO and the City of Bridgeton, the event is entirely free and features local artists, food, games, and even free haircuts for kids. Harlan emphasizes that the event is about more than fun. It is a way to reconnect the community and give families a place to come together without worrying about cost.
“Back in the day, there were always festivals and community events. Families would plan for them and show up together,” he said. “That doesn’t happen as much anymore. Sometimes it is because families just can’t afford it. We are trying to bring that feeling back and make sure no one has to stay home because they don’t have the money.”
Harlan’s next big project involves launching a career pathways program using virtual reality technology. With simulations that allow youth to explore jobs in nursing, trucking, law enforcement, and more, KYMO hopes to prepare kids for real-world opportunities before they even leave middle school.
While his work is future-focused, Harlan never hides from the past. He shares his story with young people regularly, reminding them that change is always possible. After prison, he worked to completely turn his life around.
He expunged his record, earned a bachelor’s degree in music business and a master’s degree in digital marketing, and now runs multiple businesses with his wife. The couple also cares for three of their grandchildren, two of whom lost their mother unexpectedly, adding to their full life and daily responsibilities.
“I tell them that it is not how you start, it is how you finish,” Harlan said. “That is my motto, and I live by it. I started off wrong, but I turned my life around. And they can too. They don’t have to wait until they hit rock bottom. They can choose better now.”
Harlan Miller hopes to expand KYMO’s reach in the coming years and invites other organizations and individuals to collaborate. He is not interested in gatekeeping, competition, or chasing money. His focus is on creating opportunities for youth and building a stronger Bridgeton, together.
“If your heart is in the right place and you care about the kids, then there is always room at the table,” he said.
As Unity Day approached, Harlan Miller continues to honor his brother’s memory not just through words, but through action. He remains committed to showing Bridgeton’s youth that no matter where they begin, they have the power to create a brighter path forward.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The article was written from an interview Front Runner New Jersey editor Clyde Hughes completed with Harlan Miller.
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