PHILADELPHIA – Rapper Mill Meek paid the bail for 20 incarcerated women in Philadelphia so they could spend the holidays with their families.
The 35-year-old Philadelphia native, born Robert Rihmeek Williams, is a co-founder of the REFORM Alliance, according to the organization’s website. REFORM Alliance “aims to transform probation and parole by changing laws, systems and culture to create real pathways to work and well-being,” according to its website.
Five women were released from Riverside Correctional Facility in time for Christmas Eve, and another 15 will be released over the next week, according to Philly Voice.
“It was devastating for me to be away from my son during the holidays when I was incarcerated,” Mill said in a news release. “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.”
The holiday gesture comes nearly two weeks after the rapper and Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin hosted a Philadelphia sports event for families impacted by the federal justice system, WTXF-TV reported.
That event began at the Philadelphia Eagles practice facility and ended at the Wells Fargo Center with 76ers coach Doc Rivers speaking to the families, according to the television station.
Mill Meek’s Christmas gesture stems from his own experience.
He was arrested in 2006 for illegally possessing a firearm and was jailed two years later on drug and weapons charges, Philly Voice reported.
The rapper was arrested again in 2017 over a noise complaint and sentenced to five months for violating his parole, according to the website. His 2008 conviction was overturned in 2019, Philly Voice reported.
The rapper’s legal issues inspired him to found REFORM Alliance with Rubin and fellow rapper Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter.
