Robert Kraft joined Meek Mill (from the 215) on stage to discuss the REFORM Alliance and the work they’ve been doing behind the scenes to bring awareness to injustices in the criminal justice system. Meek has always been vocal about how he was treated as a “youngin,” in his words. But it wasn’t until 2017 when he was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for “violating his probation” over a dirt bike incident that his case was now being watched nationally and being highlighted just how broken the system can be to people of color.
Meek reminds me of the people I grew up around, so talking to him felt natural. He was actually one of the main rappers I listened to during my time in Allentown, PA. I still remember rapping, “I like my rose red and my diamonds blue, I keep a bad … like 5×2,” and then later meeting him in person, telling him how I grew up in the projects of Boston.
He immediately redirected me to Mr. Kraft and said, “Tell him who you are.” That’s the kind of person Meek is real, grounded, and encouraging. I then met him again backstage at Roxbury Community College and reminded him what he said/did “Can I get a selfie with you?”. Then I changed my mind “I need a full body, sorry!”.
I remember being in South Korea and putting my roommate Nayoung on to “Use To Be” feat. Gourdion. THAT IS MY SH**. I had that album on replay and shuffle nonstop. So when my roommate, who had never really listened to rap music before, started reciting the lyrics in her Korean accent, I was like, “My guy is the truth.”
Meek’s story, his music, and his rawness have been part of my life in ways most people wouldn’t expect. Seeing him use his platform today for something bigger fighting for justice just makes me feel like a proud little sis.
WHY Meek Mill!
