(photo credit: Chris Mansfield for REFORM Alliance)
On the heels of another successful year advocating for criminal justice reform, REFORM Alliance co-founder Meek Mill has made a heartwarming holiday gesture by paying the bail of women currently incarcerated in Philadelphia. The women, who could not afford bail, will now be able to spend the holiday season with their families and loved ones. Five women were released today and will be reunited with their families, with 15 more women to be released in the coming week.
The women were incarcerated at Riverside Correctional Facility in Philadelphia. The women will also each receive a gift card for purchasing groceries or gifts for the holidays.
“It was devastating for me to be away from my son during the holidays when I was incarcerated, “said REFORM Alliance co-founder Meek Mill. “So I understand what these women and their families are going through. No one should have to spend the holidays in jail simply because they can’t afford bail. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help these women be with their families and loved ones during this special time of year.”
Meek’s holiday giveback is just the latest in a long line of efforts by Meek and REFORM Alliance to advocate for a more just and equitable criminal justice system. REFORM Alliance – which was founded in 2018 by Mill and a group of powerful business and entertainment leaders like Michael Rubin, Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter, Robert Kraft, and more – has made significant progress in its efforts to change laws, systems, and culture in order to transform probation and parole and improve the lives of those affected by the criminal justice system. To date, REFORM Alliance has passed 16 bills in 10 states, all bipartisan victories, that translate to stable communities, stronger families, and more excellent public safety for all.
Earlier this month, REFORM Alliance hosted its annual Season of Giving events in New York City, Brooklyn, and Philadelphia. Since 2019, REFORM Alliance has orchestrated several special holiday events to provide a meaningful holiday experience to families negatively impacted by the criminal justice system. This year more than 50 children were treated to a special holiday experience.
© 2022, Seth "Digital Crates" Barmash. All rights reserved.
