Fifth annual Lock-in for Life coming to Stone Mountain

An annual event with a mission of promoting healthy relationships among middle and high school teen males is coming back to DeKalb County.

Now in its fifth year, Lock-in for Life will bring back celebrity guests, a DJ, interactive panels, games, prizes, and food to Redan High School, located at 5247 Redan Road in Stone Mountain, on Dec. 15.

The event, which will run from 6 p.m. to midnight, will be an “opportunity to connect, learn, and have fun,” stated Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, who has helped host and organize the event since its start in 2019.

“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,” said Cochran-Johnson. “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. 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.”

Past Lock-in for Life events have focused on helping participants navigate conflict resolution, learn soft skills, and focus on critical thinking, stated officials.

This year’s event is also being co-coordinated with G. Bernard Levett Jr., president of 100 Black Men of DeKalb County. The nonprofit provides resources that emphasize education, mentoring, health and wellness, economic empowerment, and leadership, according to 100 Black Men of DeKalb County’s website.

“Our previous Lock-in for Life events yielded great participation and I have no doubt we will see that again this year,” said Cochran-Johnson.

The event is free and open to boys ages 13 to 18. Registration is required and can be accessed at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/whwnjwe.