Belton Platt spoke to kids and young adults at Freedom Park Saturday as part of an event for those who have criminal records or have gotten in trouble.
Platt said his father taught him how to sell drugs and he served 21 years in prison.
He’s now a pastor and speaks to teens about consequences of their actions.
"If people are shown the other side of this thing, a lot of people will say you know what man, I'm not fooling with it,” said Platt, a pastor at Rock Ministries International.
While Platt was in prison, he earned an education and promised to make a positive impact in communities when he got out.
“It's about being proactive and showing kids who may not have strong family support that you care about their life," Platt said. “Show them, Hey, there are some people out here that really love you, that believe you and want to see you do better. That's what I believe is going to change our communities."
The Exodus Foundation organized the event to restore and redeem those seeking re-entry after prison. “It is their life's work and Rev. Platt was just a portion of what they offered to people today in their program,” a spokesperson said.
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