Jay Z Applauds NYC Mayor’s Vow To Close Rikers Island
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s vow to close Rikers Island earned response from Jay Z. The Roc Nation front man hopped on Twitter Friday (March 31), to applaud DeBlasio’s plan, and thank viewers of his Kalief Browder docuseries for shedding more light on the horrors of the infamous facility.
READ: Meet The Former Inmate Turned Activist On A Mission To Close Rikers Island
“Kalief is a prophet,” Jay tweeted. “His story will save lives . You guys watching and your compassion made this happen. Thank you.”
READ: Meet The Former Inmate Turned Activist On A Mission To Close Rikers Island
Kalief is a prophet. His story will save lives . You guys watching and your compassion made this happen. Thank you . pic.twitter.com/Vvnt9tDBeR
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) March 31, 2017
John Legend, who has spearheaded an effort to end mass incarceration, also shared his thoughts on the mayor’s announcement:
In closing Rikers, New York City takes a crucial step towards ending #massincarceration. Now the hard work begins.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) March 31, 2017
The six-part docuseries, Time: The Kalief Browder Story, premiered on Spike TV in March, and follows Browder as he struggles to acclimate back into to society after his release from Rikers. The 22-year-old Bronx native gives a chilling recount of the trauma that he endured while being held at the infamous facility to await trial for a crime he didn’t commit.
Browder spent there years inside Rikers, most of which was in solitary confinement. The post-traumatic stress ultimately ruined Browder’s mental health, and resulted in his 2015 suicide.
READ: Rikers Island Prison Guards To Reportedly Receive Military-Style Weapons
