Left: Alethea’s siblings, her father, and herself Below: Alethea Morris enough do it but was never afforded “the same opportunities others had.” Still, she is proud of her relationship with him and what they shared together as he got older. “My best memories are just being his daughter. “Fishing, visiting him in Florida and just sitting and talking.” It’s an idyllic picture, and one almost forgets the pain he caused early on her life. Still, Althea refuses to allow his past actions to label him and admits he changed for the better after the divorce and had by all accounts a successful marriage with his second wife. Thus, like Althea’s constant moving, it seems too the abuse was transitory in nature. Unfortunately, the abuse she witnessed as a child would not be the last time she suffered loss. Killed while driving him from a friends house, the police were never able to find the assailant and his death is a reminder that things can change in an instant and is a constant reminder of struggles other face and the importance of helping those in need something she has embraced since moving to Columbus. “Love god, love yourself, love people.” Alethea recounts these words from her mother, but it’s evident they guide her in every facet of life. Whether it’s the WYMCA, the food pantry, clothing ministry or African American Male Wellness, Alethea is focusing on her legacy now that her “hair is getting whiter.” As this hair gets whiter I will probably pick one. I just haven’t figured out which one yet.” Nonetheless, whether it’s EnVison, or her own Hand to Heart Ministries, she has no intention of slowing down, and like her grandmother before her will no doubt instill her resilience and passion for community in her own children — besides, you never know when they might ask you to be mayor. Ian Vita Ian is a Columbus based attorney currently working for the Columbus city prosecutors office. An Ohio native, and graduate of Miami University and Capital University Law School, when he’s not in the office you can usually find him outside, volunteering for a number of community organizations and campaigns, or trying to walk his girlfriend’s golden retriever — often unsuccessfully. ENVISIONPROVENSUCCESS.COM | 27
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