Derrick Bedford of Oakland, California, received the first CJJ Spirit of Youth Award. Derrick is a proud father, a violence prevention specialist, a community volunteer, a mentor, and an urban entrepreneur—these are outstanding accomplishments in the best of circumstances. Yet, Bedford has accomplished all this and more following a difficult journey through the juvenile court system.
At thirteen, Derrick used $65 in birthday money to enter the drug trade in East Oakland's Brookfield neighborhood. He spent most of the next decade selling drugs on corners, or contemplating his crimes behind the walls of juvenile facilities. Consequently, his education suffered. Derrick was expelled from middle school and spent only a few weeks in high school, before being sent back to juvenile hall. He continued selling drugs though, because it was the quickest way Derrick knew to profit from his charisma and wits. And profit he did—in the short term. "I had more money than the average bear," Derrick recalls, "living the fast life."
Fatherhood, maturity and the intervention of a juvenile court judge eventually put an end to Derrick's criminal career. "The last time I was in jail...I promised myself I would never come back," he says. Staying true to his word, Derrick earned his GED while incarcerated, taking the first steps toward a new life. He launched his own clothing line in 1995 and started working as a counselor to troubled youth. His highest priority, however, is his daughter, Jasmine. She is Derrick's greatest motivation for being a true community leader.
See all winners of Spirit of Youth Award.
