Watch CBS News

Philly Man Uses Makeshift Jail To Send Message To Young People

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A man is sitting in an outdoor makeshift jail cell in North Philadelphia, trying to send a message of hope and a warning to young people.

Cellman2_Phillips
Michael Ta'Bon

His message is simple. "Jail is for suckers."

Ta'Bon says the inconvenience and the bitter cold is worth it. Parents, grandparents and even some police officers are bringing young people to the wall to hear his message. He says, seven years ago, he painted the wall with the names of the young murdered in the neighborhood.  Now he wants to save the living rather than honoring the dead.

"Bring your babies out before it's too late. I can't lock you up but I can should you what jail is about though."

Reported by Karin Phillips, KYW Newsradio

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.