Philly honors rapper for work on criminal justice, declares Meek Mill Weekend

Rapper Meek Mill who became even more well known for his public fight over returning to prison for a probation violation was honored by Philadelphia City Council Thursday. What’s more, City Council has declared Meek Mill Weekend will commence Friday.

City Council and Pennsylvania’s Senate are praising the Philadelphia native for his work to improve the criminal justice system.

After celebrities and business leaders pushed for Mill’s release from prison, he created a foundation to help others caught up in the system.

“Young kids where we come from should have a shot, and I’m trying to fight for the young kids that I spent time with and spent time in prison with multiple times for not even committing crime,” he said.

Born Robert Williams, Mill said he wants to speak up for those who have been sent to jail or prison but should not have.

“This is not a call out for people to do crime and not go to jail, that’s never been the case,” he said. “It’s a call out to give people who actually come up under different circumstances a fair shot in America and that’s the people I want to speak for.”

Mill, 31, said he promotes the city by wearing clothes from Philadelphia designers on tour, even though he’s not paid to do so.

State Sen. Sharif Street, who called Mill a friend from North Philadelphia, said it’s “not unusual to be impacted by the criminal justice system, but Meek has turned his situation into a move for reform that will benefit many.”