Fat Joe and Jadakiss partner with Sei Less restaurant to host Father’s Day luncheon for families impacted by criminal justice system
Fat Joe and Jadakiss host Father’s Day luncheon in NYC
This past Father’s Day, Grammy-nominated hip-hop legends Fat Joe and Jadakiss teamed up with acclaimed NYC Asian fusion restaurant Sei Less and the nonprofit REFORM Alliance to host a heartfelt luncheon honoring 70 fathers — all of whom have been impacted by the criminal justice system.
Held in Manhattan, the event wasn’t just about good food. It was about recognizing resilience, highlighting injustice, and celebrating fatherhood in the face of adversity.
The Power of Presence: Why This Event Mattered
For many families affected by incarceration, holidays like Father’s Day can be especially painful. The justice system in America continues to leave a lasting mark on countless lives — often punishing beyond prison walls, through long-term parole and probation that can deeply disrupt family bonds.
This Father’s Day, however, was different for these 70 dads. Through the efforts of Fat Joe, Jadakiss, and Sei Less, these fathers were given a moment to breathe, connect, and feel celebrated — not for their past, but for their strength, their role as parents, and their journey forward.
A-List Support at a Go-To NYC Spot
The private luncheon took place at Sei Less, a trendy Asian fusion restaurant located in the heart of Manhattan. Since opening in January 2022, Sei Less has built a reputation for not just high-end dining, but also for high-profile guests.
The restaurant’s guest list reads like a who’s who of the music and entertainment industry — Cardi B, Travis Scott, Kevin Hart, J. Cole, La La Anthony, and Kevin Durant, to name a few. But beyond its flashy appeal, Sei Less has emerged as a quiet champion of local philanthropy.
Most recently, Bronx rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie hosted a Thanksgiving dinner at the venue for 50 teens from Children of Promise, NYC, an organization supporting children of incarcerated parents. This Father’s Day event added another chapter to Sei Less’s growing commitment to community upliftment.
Fat Joe and Jadakiss: Hip-Hop Royalty with a Heart
Both Fat Joe and Jadakiss have deep ties to New York City and are no strangers to the real-world struggles that many underserved families face.
Fat Joe, a Bronx native, has used his voice not only for music but also for activism. He’s long spoken about the need to reform the justice system and help underserved communities rise above cycles of poverty and incarceration.
Jadakiss, hailing from Yonkers, shares a similar passion. Known for his gritty lyricism and authenticity, Jadakiss has consistently supported causes related to youth empowerment and systemic change.
Therefore, their presence at the luncheon wasn’t just for show. Both artists spent the afternoon chatting with fathers, listening to their stories, offering encouragement, and even taking the time to hear new music from some attendees. As a result, it was a reminder that authentic celebrity engagement can be a powerful catalyst for change.
Culinary Comfort: A Menu to Remember
As the fathers and their families took their seats, they were treated to a menu that matched the day’s energy — warm, thoughtful, and celebratory. Sei Less brought out some of their top dishes, including:
- Chicken satays
- Vegetable spring rolls
- Crispy chicken wontons
- Filet mignon with broccoli
- Beijing chicken
- Vegetable lo mein
- Chicken fried rice
The food, served in a family-style setting, created an atmosphere of warmth and community. Many guests noted that it was their first time dining out as a full family in years.
The REFORM Alliance: Fighting for Systemic Justice
Central to the event’s mission was REFORM Alliance, the nonprofit co-founded by Jay-Z, Meek Mill, Michael Rubin, and other advocates. The organization is committed to probation and parole reform, aiming to reduce the number of people caught in endless cycles of supervision and reincarceration.
More than 4.5 million people in the U.S. are under probation or parole — often for extended periods, with rigid restrictions that can lead to re-incarceration for minor, non-criminal violations. REFORM’s work focuses on changing these laws and reshaping public policy so that rehabilitation is prioritized over punishment.
Moreover, this luncheon wasn’t just about celebration. It was about raising awareness. It was a reminder that true justice extends beyond courtrooms and prisons — it lives in homes, in families, in fathers trying to rebuild.
Learn more about REFORM Alliance: reformalliance.com
Why Fatherhood Matters in Criminal Justice Reform
The absence of fathers — especially due to incarceration — has long-term ripple effects across generations. Children with incarcerated parents are at higher risk for behavioral issues, poor academic performance, and economic instability.
Supporting fathers returning home and recognizing their role in rebuilding their families is key to ending generational incarceration.
Events like this luncheon help shift the narrative. These fathers weren’t defined by their records — they were celebrated for their resilience, their dedication, and their love for their families.
What We Can Learn from This Event
Even though this was a one-day event, the lessons are evergreen. Here’s what made it impactful — and replicable:
- Community support is transformational – Giving people a space to be seen, heard, and celebrated can have lasting psychological and emotional effects.
- Food connects us all – A shared meal remains one of the simplest, most powerful tools for healing and connection.
- Celebrity activism works when it’s real – Fat Joe and Jadakiss didn’t just show up. They participated. They connected. And they elevated the message.
- Policy change needs grassroots visibility – Events like this bring attention to the real-world impact of legislation and reform, helping drive both public support and political will.
More Than Just a Meal
At its core, this Father’s Day luncheon was about more than great food or celebrity appearances. It was about visibility. It was about dignity. It was about making sure fathers who’ve faced adversity aren’t forgotten — they’re uplifted.
Thanks to Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Sei Less, and REFORM Alliance, 70 families walked away with more than a meal. They walked away with memories, hope, and the reassurance that their stories matter.