Chris Tucker & Todd Bridges Give Back In A Big Way

Nashville, TN (December 11, 2013) – Smiling faces, tears, supportive spouses and relatives, pomp and circumstance filled the Union Baptist Church Sanctuary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, last week. Two hundred ex-drug dealers, gang members, prostitutes and other street life individuals received a certificate of completion at the 10th Annual Corner 2 Corner (C2C) Drug Dealers and Street Life Conference. Actor and Comedian, Chris Tucker, and former child star, Todd Bridges, surprised the graduates by delivering words of hope, healing and inspiration to help commemorate the monumental event.

Dr. Sir Walter Mack, Jr., pastor of Union Baptist Church, envisioned an innovative ministry strategy to target the diverse leadership qualities of the drug dealer. Over 10 years ago, Dr. Mack casually observed a young man dealing on the corner and he felt compelled to confront this problem.  The Corner 2 Corner Conference was birthed to bring an acute awareness of the existing strengths of dealers—strengths that need refocusing and brought into a positive light.  C2C’s mission is to educate, mentor and provide viable alternative options for employment and entrepreneurship to deter current and future drug dealers.

Sir Walter Mack, Jr. shared, “This initiative is God inspired. I refused to casually walk past the community ills and not DO SOMETHING. Every year we see hundreds of great people in our community ‘turn their life around’ with the assistance of C2C.”

The conference included tailored workshops by professionals in the specific topical field, testimonies from delivered drug dealers and families, luncheons and community worship services. Todd Bridges, whose career was brought to a stand still for nearly 10 years due to drug and alcohol addiction, encouraged the graduates through his story detailing 18 years of the ups and downs, sobriety and the necessity of faith, determination and perseverance to overcome challenges and adversity.

Todd Bridges affirmed, “None of what you see here (referring to himself) would be possible without God. I could’ve died many years ago – but, I’m here! I’m here, to encourage you and let you know, you can make it too!”

C2C’s surprise guest, Chris Tucker added highlights to the graduation ceremony with his gut-wrenching jokes, impersonations and life stories that encouraged the star-struck listeners to laugh, through the good and through the bad. “We’re all in the same boat, we all fight the same battles, but God will give us strength to never give up. The main thing about life is to never give up.”

The focus of Corner 2 Corner Drug Dealers and Street Life 10th Annual Conference is clear: ‘Everyone can change for the better,’ especially with the help of compassionate people.

Dr. Sir Walter Mack, Jr.’s God inspired vision should be reproduced around the nation to proactively create positive change.