After being wrongly jailed for nine years when he was just 14-years-old Davontae Sanford is using his new found freedom to help Detroit's youth steer clear of crime.
Today, he was presented with the "Spirit of Detroit" award.
He said, "Who would have known nine months ago that I would sitting here, accepting this award."
Sanford spent almost a decade behind bars for a crime he didn't commit. At the age of 14, he was wrongly convicted for a quadruple homicide.
After being released last year, Davontae spends his freedom mentoring the youth in hopes of showing them a life away from crime.
"When I was going through hell, I promised myself once I got out I was going to do everything and put all my power into making it possible so kids, my generation, won't go through what I went through, for no reason."
Because of his commitment to the community, Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones presented Davontae with the "Spirit of Detroit" award.
She said, "You truly, truly, truly, are an inspiration to others."
Davontae has founded the organization called Innocent Dreams. The non-profit aims to provide GEDs and job skills training.
"I want to be the one to help guide them through that find that path to make something of themselves," he added.
And because of that, Davontae Sanford is making a difference in Detroit.
