This week, the late Michael K. Williams passed away, leaving behind a new criminal justice reform bill named in his honor. The New York Post reports Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn will introduce a bill in honor of “Lovecraft Country” star Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, which aims to reduce the state’s incarceration rates. As a result of Michael K. Williams’ legislation, “mass incarceration will be reduced, causing disproportionate harm to people of color and costing taxpayers millions of dollars,” Hermelyn said.
In the months and years before his untimely death, Williams made use of his platform to promote prison reform. As an “ambassador for ending mass incarceration” for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), he served on the organization’s legal team.
As the assembly member concluded, “Michael sought to accomplish this and we have to do better in New York State.”The for-profit criminal justice system in America will be reduced by reducing the racist policies affecting our communities.”
Williams and Hermelyn are reportedly scheduled to meet at a later date to discuss Williams’ case. To craft the measure, she is also collaborating with the ACLU.
The body of Williams was discovered by his nephew in his Brooklyn apartment on Monday (Sept. 6), just one day after he missed a public appearance over the weekend. Police are considering his death to be a criminal investigation, though we don’t know the cause of death. Investigators have found drug paraphernalia at the home, and are looking for the vendors who sold it to him for heroin-based drugs.
The actor was preparing for the Flatbush Back-to-School event with his colleague Jamie Hecto and her husband, Crown Heights District Leader Edu Hermelyn, before he passed away this morning (Sept. 12). Williams will now be honored at the annual school supply giveaway.
Michael Hermelyn, a true hero to East Flatbush, is mourned by community members, the Post reports.
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