We face an urgent national crisis at the intersection of poverty and race that puts a Black boy born in 2001 at a 1 in 3 chance of going to prison in his lifetime, and a Latino boy at a 1 in 6 risk of the same fate. CDF's Cradle to Prison Pipeline Campaign is a national call to action to stop the funneling of tens of thousands of youths down life paths that often lead to arrest, conviction, incarceration and premature death.

CDF-SRO sponsors events to educate teens and help them steer clear of behavior that can lead them down the wrong path. A Statewide Cradle To Prison Summit was held on March 26 and 27, 2010 at Callaway High School in Jackson, MS. The slideshow below captures the spirit of about 400 participants from across the state.  Guest speakers included local judges, Jackson's mayor, community activists, and foundation representatives. Teens spent two days learning and eating together, and eventually dancing together during a Youth Rally.

Statewide Teen Summit to Dismantle Mississippi's Cradle to Prison Pipeline 

A featured speaker during the summit was legendary Birmingham radio personality, radio station owner, and advertising executive Dr. Shelley Stewart. Dr. Stewart also manages the Mattie C. Stewart Foundation, a nonprofit organization named for his mother. The foundation works to reduce school-dropout rates, promote literacy and has produced the documentary Inside Out, which includes reflections of those who failed to achieve high school diplomas.