Meek Mill has made it possible for 20 Philadelphia women who had previously been unable to pay their bail to spend the holidays with their families.
Five of the women, who were all being held at the Riverside Correctional Facility in Philadelphia, were released on Friday (December 23), while the others will be home over the course of the next week, the rapper’s REFORM Alliance said in a press release.
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The women will also each receive a gift card, to help with last minute holiday or food shopping. Meek Mill explained that his own experiences as an incarcerated parent inspired him to cover the women’s bail.
“It was devastating for me to be away from my son during the holidays when I was incarcerated,” Meek Mill explained in the statement. “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.”
Earlier this month, the REFORM Alliance — co-founded by Meek along with JAY-Z, former Philadelphia Eagles owner Michael Rubin and New England Patriots CEO Robert Kraft in 2018 — spread holiday cheer to families in Brooklyn, New York City and Meek Mill’s native Philadelphia through their annual Season of Giving initiative.
In New York, teens who have been impacted by the criminal justice were invited with their families for a special meet and greet event with REFORM CEO Robert Rooks and Upscale Vandal founder Mike Camargo, who is best known for his work in developing Roc Nation’s apparel brand and relaunching Pharrell’s Billionaire Boys Club.
The Brooklyn event saw children whose mothers have been affected by the criminal justice system treated to a special VIP experience at the Brooklyn Nets’ home game against the Charlotte Hornets. With Meek Mill, La La Anthony and Cordae on hand to join in the festivities, the kids were treated to a tour of Barclays Center, a chance to meet New York Liberty players and got to watch the game from a suite which had been filled with merchandise and gifts.
The Dreamchasers boss also made an appearance at the Season of Giving event in his hometown, as the REFORM Alliance made 30 children honorary Philadelphia Eagles for the day. Those who participated got to hang with the players while also sitting courtside at the Philadelphia 76ers game later that night to enjoy the full red carpet VIP experience.
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The fun-filled Philly sports day also saw Meek and Michael Rubin face off in a one-on-one football drill inside the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice facility. With Eagles general manager Howie Roseman playing quarterback, Meek got down in a three-point stance and then ran a route to burn Rubin and make the catch in the process.
Even though neither party should be confused for a five-star athlete, Meek still celebrated his victory by clowning the Fanatics CEO on his Instagram Story. “Tryna bust a billion dollar play on @MichaelRubin,” Meek captioned the clip of the highlight.
