Meek Mill, now a soldier for reform, gets recognition for his stance against injustice in the system

The rapper was among six who was honored by New York University as a "vanguard for social justice" amid his legal fight against charges he maintains have been unfair

Jun 11, 2019


 

In the midst of fighting for justice in his own legal case, Meek Mill has become a vocal social justice advocate, whose work has inspired fans and fellow celebs all over the country to take a closer look at prison reform. Now, he’s finally being honored for it.

According to Complex, Monday, the Philadelphia rapper was amongst six advocates recognized at the 2019 McSilver Awards at New York University. Organizers say the ceremony is meant to celebrate and acknowledges the, “Vanguards for Social Justice who are prominent in their fields and unafraid to use their platforms to help create a more equitable and just world.”

READ MORE: Meek Mill, Van Jones introduce Philadelphia probation reform measure

As a founding partner and co-chair of the criminal justice reform organization REFORM Alliance, Meek’s high-profile alliances with people such as rapper Jay-Z, Philadelphia 76ers co-owner Michael Rubin and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, have enabled him raise well over $50 million. Meek and his team plan to strategically use those funds to “dramatically reduce the number of people who are needlessly trapped in the system.”

“I’m honored by this recognition,” the 32-year-old MC said in a statement. “When I was released from prison last year, I knew I had a responsibility to use my voice to speak up for the voiceless and fight for criminal justice reform. Change will take time, but me and my team at the REFORM Alliance are committed to making a real difference and fixing a broken justice system.”

Meek Mill will be honored along with journalist Yamiche Alcindor of PBS NewsHour; Sayu Bhojwani, founder and president of New American Leaders; Malcolm Jenkins, Philadelphia Eagles safety; Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of Girls Who Code;  and Jose Antonio Vargas, journalist and immigration rights activist.

READ MORE: Meek Mill granted new hearing and new judge after district attorney admits bias

Earlier this month, Meek was granted an appellate court hearing with the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, after the Philadelphia District’s Attorney’s Office agreed that there was evidence to support the assertion that Judge Genece Brinkley’s actions against the entertainer showed bias. D.A. Larry Krasner has since filed a motion to assign him a new trial and a new judge.

“We’re looking forward to the oral argument before the Superior Court of Pennsylvania and to, hopefully, having Meek’s conviction vacated,” his lawyer Jordan Siev said in a statement. “In light of the District Attorney’s recent filing, where he supports the granting of a new trial to Meek and the recusal of Judge Brinkley, we hope to have this injustice rectified once and for all.”

WATCH: The First Step Act could be a start towards prison reform

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