Genarlow Wilson's road to redemption

Metro Atlanta

Genarlow Wilson's road to redemption

Six years ago, Genarlow Wilson was a national statistic — a young black man behind bars regretting his bad decisions and waiting for another shot at life. Today, Wilson will receive his sociology degree from Morehouse College, where President Barack Obama will deliver the commencement address.

Genarlow Wilson gets a congratulatory hug from Dean Alvin Darden at the Morehouse bookstore, joined by Wilson's fiance, Tiffany Smith, and his daughter, 2-month-old Gabriella Ryan Wilson.

Genarlow Wilson tries on his graduation gown at the Morehouse bookstore. President Barack Obama will address the Morehouse College Class of 2013 -- which includes Wilson -- on Sunday.

Genarlow Wilson (left) talks with Dean Alvin Darden on the Morehouse campus.

Genarlow Wilson holds his daughter, 2-month-old Gabriella Ryan Wilson, as he and his fiance, Tiffany Smith, and prepare to leave the Morehouse campus after picking up his graduation gown.

Genarlow Wilson as a student at Morehouse in 2012. He will graduated on Sunday.

Genarlow Wilson with his mother, Juannessa Bennett, his sister, Jiaya Bennett, and attorney, B.J. Bernstein, outside the Al Burruss Correctional Training Facility in Monroe County on Oct. 26, 2007, the day he was released from prison.

Rod Mack of Atlanta holds a sign in support of Genarlow Wilson during a 2007 rally on the Douglas County Courthouse steps.

A woman reacts during a rally at the Douglas County Courthousein 2007 to support Genarlow Wilson, who was in prison for having consensual oral sex with a 15-year-old girl when he was 17.

Genarlow Wilson in the prison yard at the Burruss Correctional Training Center in Monroe County in 2007.

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Genarlow Wilson gets a congratulatory hug from Dean Alvin Darden at the Morehouse bookstore, joined by Wilson's fiance, Tiffany Smith, and his daughter, 2-month-old Gabriella Ryan Wilson.

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