Jay Z Meets with Gov. Cuomo to Push for Criminal Justice Reform

Jay Z wants justice. Following public outcry in the Eric Garner decision, the hip-hop mogul met with Governor Andrew Cuomo to push for changes to New York’s criminal justice system.

Gov. Cuomo held a private session with Jay Z and Russell Simmons on Wednesday as he pursued a “soup-to-nuts” review of New York’s justice system.

During the meeting, they discussed developing legislation to reform the state’s justice system in response to the protests over a Staten Island grand jury’s decision not to indict a New York police officer, whose chokehold led to the death of Eric Garner.

“Gov. Cuomo and Shawn [Jay Z] Carter had a productive conversation about doing a top-to-bottom review of the criminal justice system and how we can all work together to pass a reform package that ensures equality in the eyes of the law,” said Cuomo spokeswoman Melissa DeRosa.

Jay Z was instrumental in delivering “I Can’t Breathe” T-shirts to LeBron James and other NBA players, who wore them on the court. He also ordered a box of 1,000 shirts inscribed with the phrase, which has become a rallying cry for protesters.

Jay Z is not the only rapper being proactive. J. Cole, Common, and Q-Tip have also advocated for reform by marching in the streets with protesters.

Thanks @S_C_ for hand delivering these to the locker room. Thanks Justice League NYC for the TripleXL pic.twitter.com/QeeHEziLZZ

— dream hampton (@dreamhampton) December 9, 2014