About Eric Lakes

Born and raised in the heart of Atlanta, Eric Lakes is a walking testament to resilience, transformation, and purpose. Raised by a single mother while his father served time in prison, Eric was no stranger to hardship. A gifted athlete, he excelled in basketball throughout high school and was offered a scholarship to South Carolina State University. But before he could step onto the college court, his life took a devastating turn. Eric was sentenced to life plus five years in prison.

Most men don’t make it out. But Eric did.

Behind bars, he refused to be another statistic. He became a mentor to younger inmates, and committed himself to growth, discipline, and transformation. After serving 31 years of his life sentence, Eric walked out a free man not just to rebuild his own life, but to make sure others never have to experience what he did.

Now, Eric is on a mission to break the cycle. He’s not just another story of survival he’s a blueprint for change. He is working to establish The Bridge, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to reaching at-risk youth before the streets or the system claim them. While The Bridge is still in its early stages, Eric is committed to bringing this vision to life and he’s calling on the community to help make it a reality. This isn’t just an idea it’s a movement in the making.

What The Bridge Will Offer:

✔ L.O.O.K. (Leaders Overcoming Obstacles with Knowledge) – A mentorship and life-skills program for young men.

✔ Resilient Minds – A program dedicated to mental and emotional resilience, helping at-risk youth navigate their circumstances with strength and purpose.

✔ Youth Basketball Program – Teaching discipline, teamwork, and accountability through sports.

✔ Community Outreach & Intervention – Hands-on support, mentorship, and guidance for those on the edge of making life-altering decisions.

Eric is not just talking about change he is creating it. He is in the trenches, reaching into the communities where crime, poverty, and hopelessness run deep. His work is not yet fully established, but with the right support, it will become a lifeline for young men who need it most.

In addition to his nonprofit work, Eric is amplifying real stories, struggles, and victories through The  Bridge Podcast, sparking conversations that challenge, educate, and inspire. His upcoming book, “31” (set for release in Winter 2025), is a raw, unfiltered account of his journey from a promising young athlete to a life sentence, and ultimately, to redemption. Through his story, Eric exposes the harsh realities of the prison system, the power of resilience, and the faith that carried him through 31 years behind bars.

Eric Lakes is not just a speaker—he is a movement. His story proves that no matter how dark the road, redemption is possible. But he’s not stopping at his own victory he’s making it his life’s work to ensure young men never have to fight the same battle.

Join the Movement

“I served 31 years, but my story didn’t end there. Now, I’m reaching back to make sure the next generation doesn’t have to go through what I did. The Bridge is in the making, and I need the community’s support to bring this vision to life. Help me help the youth.”

Eric Lakes beat the odds and now, he’s making sure others do too.