Earlier this year Meek Mill was released from prison after serving five months. Following his release, he has been very vocal about using his platform to speak on criminal justice reform.
On Monday, the rapper released an op-ed in the New York Times, as he detailed his personal struggles with the justice system, as well as the improvements he feels need to be made to prisoner rights.
He said, “Like many who are currently incarcerated, I was the victim of a miscarriage of justice — carried out by an untruthful officer, as determined by the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office, and an unfair judge.”
“The ordeal cost me my most precious commodity: my freedom. I served five months. With the help of friends and the intervention of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, I was released on bail this past April and was able to resume my life,” said Meek.
He also mentioned that soon he’ll announce a foundation dedicated to “achieving real change.”
“Soon, some friends and I will be announcing a foundation dedicated to achieving real change. In the meantime, if you’re interested in joining us and lending your support to solving what is the moral crisis of our time, please visit www.reformnow.com and sign up.”
Some of the rights he’s fighting for include, stronger prison rehabilitation programs, updated probation policies, improved bail system, and balanced sentencing structures.
He concluded by saying, “Above all, we need to make sure punishments actually fit crimes. Mine certainly didn’t. But I am choosing to see my situation in a different light, to see that I’m incredibly fortunate. A higher power has put me in a position to help fix this — to help clean up this persistent stain on our society.”
Meek Mill is also gearing up for the release of his upcoming album “Championship.” Also on Monday, he announced his upcoming tour, which is scheduled to begin in February 2019.
Check out his full op-ed here.
Sources: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/26/opinion/meek-mill-criminal-justice-reform.html
