Philadelphia rapper and justice reform activist Meek Mill received his day in Atlanta, igniting controversy from residents who didn't understand why. The A marks the fourth city to honor the "24/7" rapper.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) reports city officials honored Meek Mill on Monday for his dedication to fairness in the justice system. The Championships rapper, whose birth name is Robert Rihmeek Williams, has become a vocal advocate for justice reform following a year in prison for a 2017 parole violation. He also currently serves as the co-chairman of The Reform Alliance.
Per the request of Music Education Group, city council members presented Mill with a plaque at the Dunbar Recreational Center as part of the center's Cure Violence program launch in Atlanta. According to the AJC, the goal of the program is to put an end to violence in the community.
Atlanta residents collectively scratched their heads after the recent news. The only clear tie Mill has to Atlanta is his connection to Clifford "T.I." Harris' Grand Hustle record label. He signed with Grand Hustle nearly a decade ago.
Yesterday, City Council President Felicia A. Moore and Councilman Cleta Winslow presented Meek Mill with a proclamation declaring March 25, 2019, Meek Mill Day in Atlanta, GA.
Before OutKast, Jeezy, TIP, Jermaine Dupri, Gucci Mane, etc… pic.twitter.com/PrYQpnD5Zr
— Everything Georgia (@GAFollowers) March 26, 2019
he doesn't even go here!
— ???????? ???? (@exquisitelo) March 26, 2019
Amid the backlash, City Council President Felicia A. Moore attempted to push back against the criticism.
“The kids seem to be excited about him coming and listened to what he had to say,” Moore told The AJC regarding Meek's honor.
She told concerned citizens on Twitter that the city would be more mindful in the future.
All, I hear your concerns. It was requested that my office present. In the future, we will be more conscious.
— Felicia Moore (@FeliciaAMoore) March 26, 2019
Moore also shifted some of the blame to event organizers when one commentator sarcastically asked if anyone could get a day.
"Ask the event organizers," she wrote.
According to James Caldwell, the executive director of the Music Education Group, Mill was presented with the honor because of his preeminent show at the Coca Cola Roxy. He believes this is the perfect time to honor the rapper and his work.
“Right now, he is the international face for prison reform in the United States beyond his music,” Caldwell told The AJC. “We’re celebrating Meek Mill for the fact that he’s using his past incarceration to raise awareness about prison reform and keeping young people safe in our streets.”
The outrage, on further inspection, seemed to be unwarranted. Fellow rappers and activists Killa Mike, T. I. and the famous Atlanta-based duo Outkast were recognized in the same way as Mill.
Kasim Reed made OutKast Day September 27th pic.twitter.com/sB2WF0jYUE
— Josh The Elephant King ???? (@Dynamitejimi) March 26, 2019
Even outside of Atlanta, Tip Harris has received a day in Jackson, Mississippi. So the news of Mill receiving a day outside of his hometown is not out of the norm.
The "What's Free" rapper was also honored with a day by his beloved hometown of Philadelphia as well as Houston and Hartford, Connecticut.
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