DeKalb Boys Can Participate In Virtual Panel, TikTok Dance Off

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — DeKalb Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson is hosting in October, the second annual Lock-in for Life, a program designed to promote healthy relationships among middle and high school teen males.

It’s in partnership with the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority (FDHA). The free three-hour virtual event will be held Friday, Oct. 9, 2020, from 6 to 9 p.m. and will feature discussions on mentorship, social and mental preparedness, life skills and conflict resolution.

It is open to DeKalb County residents. Parents are encouraged to register their male youth by visiting www.LockInForLife.com.

Cohosted by Berean Christian Church and Prevailing Love Worship Center, Lock-in for Life will address the critical needs of DeKalb’s male students and the unique challenges they face.

“We are proud to be able to host Lock-in For Life a second year,” said Commissioner Cochran-Johnson. “As we continue to face national unrest and a global pandemic, it is imperative to encourage and empower our youth, especially our young males.”

Featuring an all-star cast of some of DeKalb’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.

Topics of discussion include Am I My Brother’s Keeper, Ignorance Is No Defense; Understanding the Consequences of Decisions and Social and Mental Health Preparedness. During each panel discussion, program participants will hear from distinguished panel members, including:

• Anthony Adams, youth pastor at World Changers Church
• Rashad Davis, Prevailing Love Worship Center
• Diijon DaCosta, board member for DeKalb County Board of Education
• Omar Howard, author of The Omar Howard Story
• K.D. Johnson, retired major at DeKalb County Police Department, East Precinct
• Louis Jones, apostle at Prevailing Love Worship Center
• Dr. Kerwin Lee, senior pastor at Berean Baptist Church
• Dr. Leroy Reese, associate professor at Morehouse School of Medicine
• Judge Mark Anthony Scott, DeKalb County Superior Court
• Hank Stewart, poet and civic activist
• Dwight Thomas, criminal attorney at Dwight L. Thomas, P.C.
• Jessie Tuggle, retired Atlanta Falcons linebacker

In addition to promoting the mentorship of DeKalb County’s male youth, the event will also include a TikTok dance-off contest and virtual fantasy football competition. Local celebrities will make guest appearances with a special message for attendees and music will be played by DJ Rick Tiggz.

“The Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority is committed to supporting programs that enhance the lives of our youth,” said Beverly Burks, FDHA’s director of community engagement and Lock-in for Life community partner. “Building positive, healthy relations is a critical aspect of teen development for males. Half of male adolescents with depressive disorders in the United States never receive mental health treatment for their symptoms and lack of mental health treatment is especially true for Black males ages 12-29. It’s time we ensure our children have a safe space to voice their concerns, seek assistance, moral support and see productive male figures so they know they are not alone.”

Additionally, all participants that attend the full event will receive a gift card to Chick-fil-A, a copy of The King Inside: Practical Advice for Young African-American Males by Dr. Angelise M Rouse and opportunities to win additional prizes throughout the course of the evening.