What would make a successful and famous rapper want to leave his home country and seek citizenship in another continent? Many wonder why Meek Mill, a key figure in American hip-hop, plans to become a citizen of Ghana.
Meek Mill, born Robert Rihmeek Williams, is famous for hit albums. He’s also an advocate for criminal justice reform. Additionally, he’s had a public feud with rapper Drake. He is known for his vocal activism on social issues that impact the black community in the United States.
In a tweet on March 5, 2024, Meek Mill revealed his desire to move to Ghana, a West African nation with a rich and diverse culture. He cited America’s oppression of black people as his main reason for wanting to leave. He also said he wants to connect with his ancestral roots and learn from Ghana’s history of resistance and liberation.
“I wanna get citizenship in Ghana!!! America made to tear black men down if you don’t follow orders!”
he wrote.
Meek Mill says he wants a citizenship in Ghana because “America is made to tear black men down” PIC.TWITTER.COM/8RA9VD1ZCY
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) MARCH 6, 2024
Meek Mill’s connection with Ghana goes beyond his recent tweet. He’s been to the country many times. One standout trip was in December 2022. That’s when he rocked the Afro-Nation music fest. It’s all about celebrating African music and culture. During his visit, he met President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Akufo-Addo welcomed him to the Jubilee House, Ghana’s official residence.
However, not everyone was pleased with Meek Mill’s presence in Ghana. Facing criticism for shooting a video at the presidential palace, some found it disrespectful. Meek Mill defended his actions. He honored Ghana’s legacy. It showed respect for the president.
Despite the controversy, Meek Mill has admired Ghana and its people. He has expressed interest in collaborating with Ghanaian artists, such as Sarkodie, Shatta Wale, and Stonebwoy, and supporting local initiatives. One of them is the Year of Return, a campaign that encourages people of African descent to visit and invest in the continent.
But what is driving Meek Mill to seek Ghanaian citizenship? What does his decision say about the state of race relations in America?
According to Meek Mill, America is a place that hinders the success and happiness of black men who do not conform to the expectations and norms of the dominant culture. He believes that America is built on a system that oppresses and exploits black people, especially black men, and denies them their rights and dignity.
Meek Mill’s perspective is not unfounded. There is ample evidence of the systemic barriers and challenges that black individuals face in the United States, such as:
- Mass incarceration: According to the Prison Policy Initiative, black people make up 40% of the incarcerated population in the United States despite being only 13% of the total population. Black men are six times more likely to be imprisoned than white men and are disproportionately targeted by harsh sentencing laws, such as mandatory minimums and three-strikes laws.
- Lack of economic opportunity: According to the Economic Policy Institute, in 2019, the median wealth of Black households was $24,100, significantly less than the $188,200 median wealth of white households. The median income for black households in 2019 was $46,073, while white households earned $76,057. The unemployment rate of black workers in 2019 was 6.1%, compared to 3.1% for white workers. The poverty rate of black people in 2019 was 18.8%, compared to 7.3% for white people.
- Police brutality and racial profiling: According to the Mapping Police Violence project, 1,127 people were killed by the police in 2020, of whom 28% were black, despite being only 13% of the population. Black people are three times more likely to be killed by the police than white people and 1.3 times more likely to be unarmed when killed. Black people are also more likely to be stopped, searched, arrested, and harassed by the police, often based on racial stereotypes and biases.
These examples highlight systemic racism and injustice faced by black Americans. They fuel movements like Black Lives Matter. Meek Mill, a victim himself, faced prison for minor violations. Stemming from a 2008 conviction, he advocates reforming justice systems. He aims to empower the black community through his activism.
However, Meek Mill’s story is not the only one. Many black men in America have overcome challenges to succeed. Black men excelled in politics, business, science, arts, sports, and entertainment. There are stories of black men who have inspired and influenced millions of people, both in America and worldwide. There are stories of black men who have overcome adversity and achieved their dreams.
These stories show diversity and complexity among the experiences and perspectives of black men in America. They show that there is no single narrative or reality that defines them. They show that there is hope and possibility for change and progress.
Meek Mill’s story is one of many stories that raise important and challenging questions about race relations in America. Questions that require honest and respectful dialogue, critical and nuanced analysis, and collective and individual action. Questions that cannot be answered easily or quickly but must be explored and addressed with courage and compassion.
One of these questions is: Does Meek Mill’s story represent the collective experience of black men in America, or does it highlight a specific set of challenges? What do you think? Feel free to express your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Let us know what you think.
