Jelly Roll recently (Aug. 8) returned to Nashville to help break ground for a new Youth Campus for Empowerment. The artist  [born Jason DeFord] is familiar with the project's location, as he was previously incarcerated at that exact spot. 

After spending several years at the Davidson County Juvenile Justice Center, he aims to give back and use his powerful platform to impact his community positively. Jelly Roll has joined forces with the city to help fund the new center. Alongside Mayor Freddie O'Connell and Judge Sheila Calloway, he reflected on his own challenges and why this facility is needed. 

"I celebrated my 14th, 15th, and 16th birthdays there," he shared at the eye-opening ceremony. "The only reason I wasn't there at 17 was because I was charged as an adult." 

The 14-acre campus, slated to open in 2027, promises to be a beacon of hope for at-risk youth. It will offer a range of essential resources, including a 24-hour crisis center. The facility is designed to provide support and create a nurturing environment for young people facing difficult circumstances.

"Get rid of stuff that makes you feel like a caged animal," stressed the chart-topping artist. "Make these kids feel loved and give them a chance in life. A lot of these kids are victims of their circumstances. This is a great chance to change things," he added. 

Before Jelly Roll was selling out venues and topping charts, his life took a different turn. At 16, he was arrested for aggravated robbery and charged as an adult. Tennessee's strict zero-tolerance policy for violent offenders means that charge still impacts him today. Because of this, Jelly Roll is unable to vote, volunteer with most nonprofits, or own a firearm, and he even faces challenges in obtaining a passport, which affects his international touring.

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 His path began to shift after he learned of his daughter Bailee's birth. At 23, he was serving time for drug dealing when he found out about her arrival on May 22, 2008. After his release, he met his daughter on her second birthday. Bailee now lives with Jelly Roll and his wife, Bunnie, whom he married in 2016.

Jelly Roll's commitment to helping others extends beyond this new initiative. He also made headlines for donating a recording studio to the Davidson County Juvenile Justice Center, demonstrating his dedication to giving back to the community.

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Funds from Jelly Roll's headlining show at Bridgestone Arena in December 2022 contributed to the program. Jelly Roll also donated money to purchase the studio's hardware, computers, keyboards, and microphones.

His efforts are a testament to his belief in the power of redemption and support. His personal experiences have shaped his advocacy, making him a poignant and powerful voice for social change. Through his work, he continues to use his platform to make a tangible difference, showing that his impact extends far beyond the music industry.

Photo Credit: @jellyroll615 on Instagram.