DeKalb County 100 Black Men To Host Annual Lock-In For Life

Press release from DeKalb County:

Dec. 5, 2022

Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson will partner with the DeKalb County 100 Black Men and the DeKalb County School District to host the 4th Annual Lock-in for Life, a program designed to promote healthy relationships among middle and high school teen males.

The free event will be held Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, from 6 p.m. to Midnight at Redan High School, 5247 Redan Rd, Stone Mountain, GA 30088.

This dynamic program was designed after taking a critical look at the needs of male students within DeKalb schools and the unique challenges they face. The program seeks to fill the gap that a modern education may not be equipped to bridge.

“The Lock-in for Life has a core focus of youth empowerment, a process in which children and young people are encouraged to take charge of their lives,” said Commissioner Cochran-Johnson. “Youth can do this by addressing their situation, taking action to improve their access to resources, and transforming their consciousness through their beliefs, values, and attitudes.”

In addition to promoting the mentorship of DeKalb County’s male youth, the event also will address bonding, gun violence, civic responsibility, social preparedness, soft skills, critical life skills and conflict resolution. Featuring an all-star cast of some of Metro Atlanta’s most distinguished male professionals, civic leaders, attorneys and community members, attendees will participate in candid discussions on topics critical to their development as young men.

“The needs of our male youth are not completely addressed by modern education,” said Andre Deas, president of DeKalb County 100 Black Men. “Increasingly, our teen males need mentors and a support system to cope with the pressures of their home life and environments.”

Topics of discussion will include Am I My Brother’s Keeper?, Ignorance Is No Defense, Mental & Social Preparedness and A Call To Manhood. During each panel discussion, program participants will hear from distinguished panel members including The Black Hamptons actor Shalom Obiago; retired DeKalb County Police Major K.D. Johnson; author Omar Howard; Judge Anthony Scott; therapist, professor and podcaster, Dr. Ed Garnes; entrepreneur Rashad Davis; Montreal Alouettes CFL Player Chandler Worthy; District 84 Georgia State Representative Omari Crawford; president of Black Men & Women of Valor Asante Hill; motivational speaker Trell ”Donk” Webb and many other notable local community members.

Program participants will enjoy sports, raffle prizes, food, fellowship and music by DJ Intellect. Transportation is available and parents are encouraged to register their children by visiting www.LockInForLife.com.

This press release was produced by DeKalb County. The views expressed here are the author's own.