Darius’s Story:

My name is Darius Pettway, and here is my story. At seventeen years old, sitting behind the walls of incarceration, I discovered my purpose. What many saw as the end became the beginning of a lifelong mission, to change the narrative for youth who, like me, once made a mistake but still deserved a second chance. From the heart of Detroit, I turned my pain into purpose and committed myself to juvenile delinquency prevention. The Juvenile Justice logo etched on my leg is not just ink, it is a symbol of redemption, leadership, and faith. It represents the moment I made a vow to dedicate my life to helping young people find their way before the system defines their story.

I chose to place this tattoo on my leg for a reason. It serves as a metaphor for my walk, my daily journey guided by faith and fueled by service. Every step I take reminds me that this mission is not a sprint, it is a lifelong walk with Christ. It represents forward motion, progress, and the determination to keep moving even when the path gets hard. This emblem travels with me wherever I go, reminding me that the work I do is not just professional, it is personal. It is my constant reminder that every step is a step toward purpose, healing, and change.

Today, through Life Skool, I have partnered with the Dallas County Juvenile Probation Department to help youth who are most vulnerable, the ones society too easily overlooks. Together, we build programs that restore, mentor, and empower young people to rewrite their own futures. My story is a living testament that transformation is possible when purpose meets action. I carry this mark proudly, not as a symbol of where I have been, but of where I am headed.

“All children deserve a chance to make a mistake and learn from it.”
– Darius Pettway