Chester native brings California kids to D.C.

Lonnie Morris, a Marin County, California deputy probation officer, organized the first college tour in the Washington, D.C., area for Marin City youths. The group of seven returned last week after a four-day trip that is part of the community's Phoenix Project. Morris, 53, grew up in Chester, Pa.

Q: What was the inspiration to do this?

A: There has been a lot of outreach for at-risk youths with very little focus being placed on children within the same community who make positive choices by going to school and trying to excel academically. These children are future-oriented and have aspirations to improve their circumstances. I wanted to reach out to this particular group of youth from this community and provide them with some support and guidance to become future leaders.

Q: Why colleges in the Washington, D.C., area?

A: Exposing children to Washington, D.C., our nation's capital, is an opportunity all future leaders should be provided. This allows them to see firsthand an environment where public policy, judicial law and foreign affairs occur.

Q: Was this always a goal?

A: Yes, from the time I was a young man myself growing up in an extremely impoverished community; I overcame the statistics that suggested my future was bleak. Since then I have worked to mentor and support others and their ability to persevere over obstacles plaguing these environments.

Q: What do you think the students will gain from it?

A: They will gain the ability to see a world bigger than Marin City. I hope they realize they have the potential and the where with all to make an impact in this world.

Q: What has been the reaction among students?

A: The students have been amazed that so many individuals unknown to them care about their futures. People in Marin County want to see them excel.

Q: Are the youths of Marin City too often painted with a broad brush?

A: Definitely. There is a lot of focus on the criminal behavior of a small pocket of youth who make some poor choices. There are a lot of children within Marin City who go to school and lead "normal" lives. These kids have dreams and aspirations to make an impact and be successful in life. They have been overlooked until now, and it is great to see the pride their parents and other community members have in them being recognized.


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