T.I., Young Dro celebrate Project Pinnacle graduates

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - A Friday evening ceremony in DeKalb County was filled with hope and second chances as the latest graduates of the diversion program "Project Pinnacle" were honored. The program, founded by Superior Court Judge Asha Jackson, provides first-time offenders aged 17 to 25, accused of nonviolent felonies, a path to redemption.

Hip-hop stars T.I. and Young Dro were among the celebrities who attended the ceremony to personally congratulate the graduates and share messages of encouragement.

"I wish something like this was around when I was in the position I was in," T.I. said, reflecting on his past challenges. "That doesn’t have to be the end of their life. That doesn’t have to be the defining moment."

Montez Farmer, one of the program’s graduates, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. "I handle situations different and think before I react, before I end up back in jail," he said. "It was a great program to be in, also have a second chance at life. A clean background."

Project Pinnacle, now in its 13th graduating class, provides career training, job placement, and mentorship, thanks to partnerships with corporate sponsors. Successful graduates have their criminal records sealed, giving them the chance to move forward without the stigma of a conviction.

"These young people are given another chance," Judge Jackson said. "This is intervening early so that crimes like shoplifting, theft, piracy, possession, burglary, and auto burglaries don’t escalate. We’re equipping them with real skill sets."

Judge Jackson emphasized the program’s impact on reducing recidivism, noting that fewer than 3% of its participants return to the criminal justice system. "It’s a small investment when you think about what it costs to incarcerate someone for a year," she added.

The program has garnered increasing interest, with its next cohort seeing the highest enrollment numbers to date. For the graduates, the evening wasn’t just a celebration but the start of a new chapter.

"It marks the beginning of a fresh start," Farmer said.

With community support and inspiring words from leaders in the entertainment industry, Project Pinnacle continues to shine as a beacon of hope for young people seeking redemption and a brighter future.