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Multi-platinum rapper-actor Clifford “T.I.” Harris knows
what it’s like to be caught on the other side of the law. From
his recent three-year sentence on federal guns charges to a 1998
conviction for possession of controlled substances, to felony probation
violations, the Atlanta entertainer has found himself in hot water for
a number of offenses.
Refusing to continue on the destructive cycle
of bad choices, the Grammy-winning rapper learned from his mistakes. In
an effort to steer youngsters in the right direction instead of
following in his footsteps, he recently teamed up with Fulton County
Juvenile Court Chief Judge Belinda Edwards for a mentoring program with
at-risk youth. He donates time to speak with the children about the
importance of education and dangers of drugs and violence.
“He’s
been through what most of the kids are going through. He can give them
direction on what’s wrong and what’s right. All of them
look up to him,” explains Keisa Cofield, Fulton County juvenile
court support specialist for Chief Judge Edwards. “The things
that he has done in the past is the past. He’s trying to make a
difference now and show kids that’s not the way to go.”
According
to Cofield, the program is making a difference. “Some (children)
have changed for the better,” she said. “Some still have
problems. I think the more he comes out and speaks, the better. We look
at T.I. as an inspiration to kids.”-cw
