Atlanta rapper/actor T.I. is continuing his efforts to make a positive change in his hometown—and this time he’s set to tackle the local jail system. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms recently announced that Tip, along with 24 other members, has been officially asked to join a task force to repurpose the Atlanta city jail.
According to @CNN, Bottoms has a big goal in mind when it comes to the Atlanta City Detention Center and it involves turning it into a “multi-faceted use center for wellness and healing, skills-building, economic mobility and crime prevention.”
T.I. has long been an advocate of criminal justice reform and putting his money where his mouth is in terms of bettering the city of Atlanta—something that Mayor Bottoms is clearly aware of. Back in June, T.I. partnered with the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church for a conference to address mass incarceration. During that conference, the church also announced that T.I. would assist in bailing out dozens of poor and working-class citizens in the Atlanta area.
Speaking about the proposed changes she has for the Atlanta City Detention Center via the task force, Mayor Bottoms stated:
“This Task Force reflects strong local leadership, willing to help us progress towards a safer, and just city. It is my hope this building will serve as an epicenter for resources, education, and training for the community. With the help of these members, I am optimistic that what is reimagined will be the future of One Atlanta.”
In May of this year, Bottoms signed official legislation to close and repurpose the Atlanta City Detention Center, citing a declining number of inmates and increased operating costs. In the past, the jail has notoriously held violators of city ordinances and traffic laws.
T.I. isn’t the only famous name that’s attached to the task force, as Love And Hip Hop: Atlanta star Scrapp Deleon is also a member, in addition to representatives from nonprofit and advocacy organizations, city officials and Atlanta residents.
Roommates, what are your thoughts on T.I.’s efforts in Atlanta?
