Will rapper Meek Mill be the new face of criminal justice reform?
Mill was recently sentenced to 2-4 years in prison which outraged his fanbase and thousands of others who see Mill to be one of the many people unjustly suffering due to bias in our criminal justice system.
Kaepernick says the justice system is ripe with discrimination and injustice. He says, “Meek Mill is a victim of this system.” #meekmill #kaepernick #injustice pic.twitter.com/sJfHr0KOuX
— Atlanta Black Star (@ATLBlackStar) November 13, 2017
Many have rallied around Mill, including some very influential people.
#Patriots, #Sixers owners visit #MeekMill behind bars. @ChanteeLans has the details. https://t.co/NtAkE1aMlf
— CBS Philly (@CBSPhilly) April 10, 2018
Several celebrities have used their influence to speak out and create awareness on this issue, showing their support for someone many would assume is a criminal.
Robert Kraft On #MeekMill Visit: 'This Guy Is A Great Guy And Shouldn't Be Here' https://t.co/lLSjQjHR1G pic.twitter.com/PPAUrtKDDM
— CBS Philly (@CBSPhilly) April 10, 2018
After rallies and protests by celebrities and activists alike…
The District Attorney of Philadelphia granted #MeekMill a new trial today and they asked Judge Brinkley to have him released today and she still wouldn’t comply so they’re in motion of getting a higher court appointed to the case to have him released. Stay tuned for more info. pic.twitter.com/VG8AuT6LpJ
— Meek Mill (@MeekMillNews215) April 16, 2018
Now one has to ask if the DA is really interested in reforming our broken system, or if Mill is receiving special treatment due to his fame and the high-status of many of his supporters.
To some this is a step in the right direction regardless.
Cheers erupt as #MeekMill legal team announces Philly DA’s decision to support new trial for rapper. Meeks lawyer says they will appeal to the Pa. Supreme Court @NBCPhiladelphia pic.twitter.com/pY3JefJwqS
— Alicia Lozano (@aliciavlozano) April 16, 2018
Others seem to worry that Mill isn’t worthy of this support,
Why is #MeekMill still being talked about being in jail? Did he not violate his parole? Why should he be exempt? They want to use his bad upbringing on his behavior now. Who's upbringing doesn't impact how they behave as adults? It's called use your brain!
— Reggie T!! Bitches! (@EnigmaRDT) April 11, 2018
and think we should be putting our attention towards other people of color who have been affected by racial bias in our courts.
They should use someone else as the face for This reform #MeekMill isn’t innocent I’m sorry he thought his money and clout would save him, it’s plenty of innocent black men being screwed by the system he isn’t one of them he had numerous chances.
— Joy (@fyeeta) April 16, 2018
What do you think?