Thread by @BradleyRHaywood

Well that was a trip. Allow me to share the story of how we ended up here today, with @MeekMill, at the signing of a historic bill to end mass supervision in Virginia (1)

Last Summer, @JusticeFwdVa & @DonScott757 started talking about probation reform. It was a top priority for both of us. Personally, the issue was on my radar for two reasons: 1st, the way mass supervision ruined my clients’ lives; 2nd, @MeekMill’s inspiring story and activism (2)

As the year progressed, I had little to do other than go on long walks & fight to reform the criminal justice system. These activities often coincided, including on one fateful November night, when I was out walking through Rosslyn & made the connection: we needed Meek’s help (3)

I immediately called my sister, @MissKelHaywood who runs @JusticeFwdVa’s social media (and also knows a lot of people) and said “hey Kel, do you know anyone who knows Meek Mill?” She pauses, then says she’s going to a party the following weekend in Philly & he might be there (4)

I said hmm, I didn’t think that would work. She then says, “I’ve got it: Twitter.” “

“YES,” respond. And for the next month, my sis starts plotting the very best time and best Tweet to get his attention. She felt we had two, maybe three shots at it. (5)

Lo and behold, it’s the night after Christmas, and Kel calls the shot—the time was now. We draft a tweet asking Meek if he wanted to end mass supervision in Virginia, we hit send, and then waited. An hour or two later, bingo: “Let’s do it.”
(6)

So much other work went into the bill, but standing up near the podium today w/so many ppl more important than myself, watching @GovernorVA sign truly transformative legislation that will help thousands of disadvantaged Virginians, I couldn’t help but think of how it started (7)

In turn, I couldn’t help but think of how it ALL started: @JusticeFwdVa, our Va CJR movement, all the historic legislation passed the last 2yrs. Change begins w/an idea but it never manifests without action. How cool to see the fruits of that hard work on a day like this. (8/x)

Very classy press release from @REFORM. I wish them all the best as they try to carry this momentum to other states across the country. Very fun celebrating with you this morning.

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