Politicians, friends and family spoke today on behalf of former city Councilman Kenneth N. Harris Sr. during a three-hour funeral at Morgan State University.

“He spoke truth to power, even when others didn’t want to hear it,” said Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, a Baltimore County Democrat. Ruppersberger was one of 12 people offering personal tributes to Harris, who was shot and killed early Saturday morning at the New Haven Lounge jazz club, in the Northwood Shopping Center in Northeast Baltimore.

Harris’ daughter, Nicole, said she was thankful her father had been so involved in her life. She said she always detected a sadness in her dad’s eyes because he had never known his own father.

Harris’ mother, Sylvia, also took to the stage at the Murphy Fine Arts Center and told the crowd she has begun a memorial fund to further the anti-crime and community safety causes her son championed.

She spoke to an audience that included City Council members, Gov. Martin O’Malley and State’s Attorney Patricia C. Jessamy and said she would be calling on the influential attendees to help with the effort.

A huge crowed began gathering early for the funeral. By 10 a.m., the concert hall was half full, and by 10:45 a.m., ushers began directing guests to the balcony level.

The men’s chorus from Huber Memorial Church — Harris’ congregation — broke into the hymn “Amazing Grace” before the start of the service, and the crowd stood to listen.

Roads leading to Morgan were choked with traffic.

Thousands of mourners attended viewings yesterday at Huber and at March Funeral Home. Another viewing was held at the Murphy center before the service.

Harris, 45, a city councilman from 1999 to 2007, was shot outside the New Haven Lounge, a well-known venue for live jazz just blocks away from Morgan State, by men who then entered the club and robbed owner Keith Covington and other employees. Police have not made any arrests.

The city Transportation Department announced traffic restrictions for the funeral and had signs and traffic officers present. From 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., Argonne Drive will be closed at Harford Road. Drivers can access Argonne only from Hillen Road.