Earlier this week New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced his pledge to shut down New York City jail Riker’s Island.
In a tweet, the mayor said, “New York City will close the Rikers Island jail facility. It will take many years. It will take tough decisions. But it will happen.”
One person to applaud de Blasio on his decision was none other than Jay-Z. Recently Jay-Z and the Weinstein Co. had a four-part docu-series air on Spike TV, which highlighted the cause and effects that Rikers Island can cause by telling the story of Kalief Browder.
Jay-Z tweeted a headline of Mayor de Blasio’s pledge and said, “Kalief is a prophet. His story will save lives. You guys watching and your compassion made this happen. Thank you.”
John Legend also tweeted about the matter and thanked Bill de Blasio along with the New York City Council and added, “In closing Rikers, New York City takes a crucial step towards ending #massincarceration. Now the hard work begins.”
However, the recognition from big names didn’t end there.
Director Ava DuVernay also reflected on the news, “Remembering the incarcerated citizens who’ve been abused + forgotten in this place. Saluting families + activists who worked to dismantle.”
DuVernay’s Oscar-nominated documentary “13th,” explored the history of mass incarceration.
Source: http://www.rap-up.com/2017/04/01/jay-z-john-legend-applaud-pledge-to-shut-down-rikers-island/
TSR STAFF: Jade Ashley @Jade_Ashley94 on Instagram & Twitter
