Youngstown-born teen hands off harmony in global relay

By Jon Moffett

YOUNGSTOWN — Some teenagers are too busy thinking about themselves to worry about world issues. But David Morrison is not your average teenager.

Instead of spending his summer vacation on the baseball diamond or at the pool, the 14-year-old is running.

David is taking part in the World Harmony Run. According to its Web site, the run is “a global relay that seeks to promote international friendship and understanding.” The relay takes place in more than 100 countries.

“This is a very great thing to do. We get to spread harmony and see beautiful parts of the country,” David said.

David was born in Youngstown, but moved to Florida seven years ago. His mother, Cynthia, was born in Mexico and ran with her mother in the Mexican relay as a teenager. She and her son know firsthand what it is like to experience cultural insensitivity.

“When we moved to Florida, the neighbor kids would say, ‘You are half-Mexican, we hate you.’ Now the kids don’t feel that. They had to have learned it from their parents or family environment.”

Cynthia added that she is incredibly proud of her son. She said David was able to understand the true meaning of the run.

“It sends a message of friendship and awareness of humanity,” Cynthia said. “It says that no matter your race or color or anything, we’re all people and we should get along.”

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.