Kim Kardashian meets Kamala Harris to discuss criminal justice reform
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian met American Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House on Thursday. Their conversation centered around recent pardons issued by US President Joe Biden, marking another instance of Kardashian's active involvement in national criminal justice policy. This meeting followed Biden's pardon of 11 individuals and sentence commutation for five others, all convicted of non-violent drug offenses.
Panel included individuals who had recently received pardons
The discussion panel included several individuals who recently received pardons, such as Jason Hernandez, Bobby Darrell Lowery, Jesse Mosley, and Beverly Holcy. These individuals have made significant contributions to their communities after their incarceration by establishing businesses or non-profit organizations, reported CNN. During the event, Harris underscored the importance of redemption and second chances in a civil society.
Harris is a 'believer in the power of redemption'
At the event, Harris said, "I'm a big believer in the power of redemption." "Is it not the sign of a civil society that we allow people a way to earn their way back and give them the support and the resources they need to do that?" Harris acknowledged Kardashian's contribution and thanked her for "using your platform in a way that has really lifted up the importance of talking about and being dedicated to second chances."
Kardashian emphasized the importance of sharing personal narratives
Kardashian expressed her eagerness to hear the stories of those pardoned and reaffirmed her commitment to raising awareness about criminal justice reform. Kardashian emphasized the importance of sharing personal narratives to help those unfamiliar with the criminal justice system understand the challenges faced by individuals reintegrating into society post-incarceration. Additionally, Harris introduced a new rule that significantly reduces restrictions on Small Business Administration loans based on an individual's criminal history.
Kardashian on why she is involved in the cause
Sharing her experience, the reality star-entrepreneur said, "Every time I've gone and visited a prison, I've met some of the smartest individuals with the brightest ideas and to see the changes that are happening to make their reentry easier, I think, is going to be life-changing and give so many people hope." Kardashian's advocacy work in criminal justice reform began in earnest in 2018 when she met then-President Donald Trump, leading to the enactment of the First Step Act.
Being politically aware encouraged her to study law
The Keeping Up with the Kardashians star further explained, "I was inspired to go to law school and really further my education to see what I can do to help and not rely on these two men behind—who have been coming with me everywhere, my attorneys—to kind of translate everything for me because I really couldn't grasp what all of this means."
