The REFORM Alliance announced Thursday morning that it received a “six-figure donation” from Harris Philanthropies via Sixers managing partner Josh Harris and Marjorie Harris.
Reform’s mission is to “transform probation and parole by changing laws, systems and culture to create real pathways to work and wellbeing.” Sixers limited partner Michael Rubin and Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill are co-chairs of the organization.
Mill’s prison sentence for parole violations spurred the creation of Reform. On the night of Mill’s release in 2018, he memorably attended Game 5 of the Sixers’ first-round playoff series against the Heat and rang the team’s ceremonial bell before tip-off.
Among Reform’s projects is legislative advocacy for less punitive probation and parole bills in multiple states. The Pennsylvania Senate passed such a bill in December. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Reform has also worked to distribute masks to jails and prisons.
“In the three years since its founding, REFORM Alliance has made incredible strides towards reforming the criminal justice system and working to help individuals and families who have been adversely impacted by the inequities in our probation laws,” Harris said in a Reform press release.
“It’s an honor to support my partner Michael Rubin, Meek Mill and everyone who has contributed to REFORM’s efforts in driving change in our country. It’s especially humbling to see the impact REFORM has already had in Philadelphia. I’m proud to play a small part in helping to advance the incredible work they are doing and the impact they will no doubt continue to achieve.”
The Sixers and Reform co-hosted an event on Dec. 15 for children whose parents have been negatively affected by the criminal justice system. The night included a basketball game on the Wells Fargo Center floor with Mill, rapper Lil Baby and other celebrities, a question-and-answer session with Sixers head coach Doc Rivers, and courtside seats (see video above).
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A former Penn wrestler, Harris opted to take the game in from the sidelines and watched Mill and the kids break a sweat. He said he was glad Rubin and Reform had arranged the event in Philadelphia; Patriots owner and Reform founding partner Robert Kraft had done something similar at a New England home game in 2019.
“I ain’t really have anyone to change my life at a young age,” Mill told The Associated Press’ Dan Gelston. “I’m just one of the lucky ones. If I could help one person, they ask me about helping a million people at Reform, but if I could help one person, that’s enough for me.”