The state of Mississippi has been under major heat after the reveal of the poor treatment of the prisoners at Parchman Prison — some of the violence even leading to a few deaths. Love and Hip Hop reality star, Yandy Smith, is no stranger to injustice within the prison systems, as she just recently celebrated her husband Mendeecees return home after 4 years. Smith has stood strongly on the forefront of this battle, using her social media platform – with over 5 million followers – heavily in making changes at Parchman. Smith has flown down to the state Capitol, lead rallies alongside TeamRoc, and consistently kept the people informed of the abuse of the prisoners that the state is purposely keeping secret.
Recently Smith posted an article of Jay-Z & Yo Gotti with a beginning caption:
“Never underestimate your power to make change and attract change makers…”
The headline of the article states “Jay Z and Yo Gotti Threaten to Sue Mississippi over ‘Inhumane and Unconstitutional’ Prison Conditions.”
Team Roc filed a lawsuit Tuesday, January 28th on behalf of 29 incarcerated plaintiffs against two prison officials, claiming the Eighth Amendment right – which forbids cruel and unusual punishment – of the 29 inmates are being violated by the MDOC officials. Petitions are still circling as they have accumulated over 50,000 signatures to shut down Parchman Prison.
ABC News reports that Mississippi’s new governor moves to close the notorious prison unit, stating “I have seen enough.”
