From Basketball Courts to Bookshelves Larry M. Morris Shares His Story

If you want to hear a truly heartfelt conversation about community, family, and the long arc of service, check out this episode of Out & About with Antionette featuring Larry M. Morris.

I opened the episode with genuine excitement over Larry’s deep roots in Wilmington, Delaware—he’s racked up over half a century of community service! I shared some highlights of his life: from leading the Wilmington NAACP in the 1980s to being named Big Brother of the Year, earning the Jefferson Award, and transforming a vacant building into a celebrated youth program. We instantly bond over being “boomers” growing up without cell phones or Playstations—back when “fun” meant getting outside and being creative.

Larry dives into his beginnings, recounting how he almost joined the Army at his mother’s insistence, but fate (and a lucky college postcard) landed him at Goldey Beacom College in Wilmington. Not initially interested in accounting, Larry was pulled toward youth work almost accidentally—first at the YMCA, where he lived for two years, and then as a summer outreach worker bringing structure and mentorship to kids who weren’t getting it at home. Pretty soon, it became clear working with youth was his calling.

Together, we talked about how times and attitudes have changed. Larry explains that in his day, parents gave children structure, discipline, and clear expectations—today, he observes, kids often have more freedom but less guidance. His philosophy has always been to show young people he genuinely cares, because once they trust you, you can challenge them—and they respond positively. I wholeheartedly agreed, recalling the value of structure in my own upbringing.

We then shifted to Larry’s experience in public service, particularly his time on staff for Governor John Carney. Larry opens up about worrying that folks in the community might see him differently once he took a government job and started wearing a suit. He emphasizes how staying authentic and connected to the community allowed him to bridge that gap and maintain trust—whether he was working in jeans or government attire.

The conversation then turns to legacy. Larry shares the inspiration for his memoir, “50 Years of Love.” He laughs about how some of his grandkids—and many in the community—don’t even realize how much he’s done, seeing him just as “Pop Pop.” I loved how Larry’s work has rippled out—changing lives, shaping the city, and even bringing things full circle when his grandkids attended daycare in the same YMCA where he got his start.

Larry wraps up with a simple, powerful observation—kids and adults alike are always watching, learning not just from our words but our example. For him, it’s all about leading with love, consistency, and integrity.

Take a listen to this touching and authentic back-and-forth conversation between Larry and I, both Delawareans, who are dedicated to making a positive impact—reminding us just how much one person’s dedication can mean to a community.