A former gang member who served time in prison was recognized for turning his life around.

Joe Grits, 32, of Bridgeport, says he was honored to be chosen by local nonprofit Bridgeport Community Rally in Peace Project.

The group works to prevent drug use and violence.

Grits is a musician and community leader who mentors young people and creates self-produced music videos.

He says he recently finished 10 years on parole without a single violation.

Grits was recently invited to address a group of Yale law students about a project he's part of to eliminate solitary confinement in Connecticut's prison system.