Meek Mill spoke publicly today for the first time in months since he’s been incarcerated on probation violations.

Today (March 13) at the Irvine Auditorium at the University of Pennsylvania, a gathering was held to discuss Meek’s case, as well as criminal justice reform in the Philadelphia judicial system.

During the town hall, Reverend Al Sharpton, Meek’s mom Kathy Williams and his attorney Joe Tacopina spoke to the spectators, which included students from the college, Meek’s family and friends, as well as co-owner of the Philadelphia Eagles Michael G. Rubin and players from the world champion team.

Meek called in halfway through the town hall and expressed sentiments of gratitude.

“I wanted to say I appreciate all the love and support from the people,” Meek said through his manager Phil’s iPhone speaker. “I think it was time Pennsylvania had some type of light shined on the system… I’ve on probation since I was 18 years old and I ain’t commit a crime since I was 18 years old.”

On November 6, 2017, Meek was sentenced to two-to-four years in state prison for violating his parole. This stems from his conviction as a teen on gun and drug charges. It recently was revealed that Meek’s arresting officer 12 years ago, Reginald Graham, was found to be corrupt by the Philadelphia PD and his name was placed on a “do not call” list by the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office. This means the DA has advised not to call Graham nor the other 28 officers named on the list, revealing that they have committed gross miscarriages of justice, including brutality and possession of child pornography.

Today, Meek said he wanted to share a piece of his story. “I made it from the bottom of Philadelphia, all the way up to stardom and doing well with a rap career. When I was 18, I was caught up in the system.”

Mill said that even though he got out of his harrowing situation as a kid, the judicial system recently unjustly put him back “below zero.” He said if that can happen to him, “Imagine what they doing to the average Black male. God picked me to bring the light to Pennsylvania, I accepted it. I’m gonna stand up to it.”

“I feel like I’m the example that shined the light on injustice,” he added. “It’s been dark out here when it comes to the criminal justice system.”

The MMG cornerstone also noted that, of course, he wants his freedom, but he will continue to use his platform to speak up for himself and others like him.

Meek’s case is ongoing. Tacopina did express heavy optimism today about the situation. He says he and his staff have filed “every motion possible” to get his client released.