$50K Prize Would Help 'Zone 8' Activist Further His Work

DETROIT (WJBK) -- A man who got a second chance at living a life with purpose is taking full advantage and really helping his fellow Detroiters. You can help him continue his good work.

"I saw gangsters. I saw thugs, so I behaved like gangsters, I behaved like thugs. Now as a man, here's an opportunity to support a man that's doing a work to better his community," said Yusef Shakur.

At 38, Shakur is an author, a father and a felon, who spent nine years behind bars for assault with intent to rob.

"I made a mistake. That was immature behavior. There's nothing proud about being incarcerated," he said.

It's a message he shares with his peers and with children. In the eleven years since his release, he's become a community activist responsible for the Urban Network Bookstore and Cafe on Grand River near I-94. It's also a computer lab and a safe haven for an impoverished community -- zip code 48208 or Zone 8 where Shakur grew up.

"This is ground zero. When you walk through Zone 8, you see hopelessness and helplessness, but also you see people who are fighting," he said.

Fighting for a better tomorrow for Detroit's children. For the past four years, Shakur's been hosting a backpack and school supply giveaway -- a family fun day with food and entertainment. Last year, he gave away 500 backpacks.

"It's a whole family atmosphere, and it's part of restoring the neighbor back to the hood," Shakur told us.

This year, he's hoping to give away 2,000 backpacks to children in need.

Right now, he's eligible for a $50,000 prize from Examiner.com that could help him further his efforts. Readers are asked to choose from 25 community leaders from across the country in the "America Inspired" campaign. Shakur needs your vote.

"Hear about everything that's wrong with Detroit, but you look at my story and things that I'm doing in Detroit. That's something that's right about Detroit. The opportunity to receive $50,000, we'd be able to expand that work, in particular giving back, supporting and contributing in a meaningful way," he said.

The voting ends Saturday. You can vote every day by clicking here.