Atlanta, GA – Run The Jewels star Killer Mike has been heavy in activism for many years, and sometimes that means meeting with opposing political parties to find a greater common ground for the community.
Such was the case in a recent meeting Mike had with the Republican Governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp. Gov. Kemp shared photos of the Wednesday (September 9) sit-down and said they’d discussed human trafficking in Georgia and how the COVID-19 pandemic had affected small businesses and the music industry.
“Today, Marty and I had a great meeting with @KillerMike,” he wrote. “We discussed how small businesses and the music industry are weathering the pandemic, the value of our skilled trade workers, and our fight to end human trafficking in Georgia. We look forward to seeing him again soon!”
Today, Marty and I had a great meeting with @KillerMike. We discussed how small businesses and the music industry are weathering the pandemic, the value of our skilled trade workers, and our fight to end human trafficking in Georgia. We look forward to seeing him again soon! pic.twitter.com/yR6iVaAJo1
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) September 9, 2020
The Run The Jewels rapper was quickly met with criticism for his decision to meet with the Governor, but he stood tall as he responded to dozens of tweets and reaffirmed his mission goes beyond the optics.
“After I sought counsel from Community activists That I know and have worked with over 20 yrs, black judges and lawyers, black Biz leaders and my neighbors I absolutely did,” Mike confirmed to one critic when asked if he’d met with Kemp for his community.
After I sought counsel from Community activists That I know and have worked with over 20 yrs, black judges and lawyers, black Biz leaders and my neighbors I absolutely did. https://t.co/YleKTOS9nH
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) September 10, 2020
“Absolutely,” Mike said in response to another who incredulously asked if he’d really met with him. “I pay taxes in Georgia and own business there. I’m checking up on my dollars At work. I also meet with my city council member, state rep and mayor.! I suggest all Georgians do the same.”
Absolutely. I pay taxes in Georgia and own business there. I’m checking up on my dollars At work. I also meet with my city council member, state rep and mayor.! I suggest all Georgians do the same. https://t.co/UbIdPlIDid
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) September 10, 2020
Mike is pictured in the photos wearing a shirt that reads, “plot, plan, strategize, organize, and mobilize,” and he referenced it when asked whether he thought the meeting would even resolve anything.
“Only time will tell,” he said. “In the meantime, I plan to keep doing what was on that t-shirt I wore. We all must!”
Only time will tell in the mean time I plan to keep doing what was on that tee shirt i wore. We all
Must! https://t.co/QUrVEkwg7c— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) September 10, 2020
Read some more of Mike’s responses to critics below.
Some of my issues: “Blacks In Ga” having more than 2% of state contracts while making up 35% of the state. Black men and boys getting free trade school vs building more jails. A justice system than deals with children’s trauma vs jailing them. U need better “issues”. https://t.co/tJlx4Lp2zz
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) September 10, 2020
Well my 86 yr old Aunt who actually risked her life in B Ham and Selma was proud and called me courageous. Umma lean into that cuz she did the work. https://t.co/GP1OTPieG8
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) September 10, 2020
Don’t miss or purposely forget the part where I informed all that I was given eduction and informed by the people doing the work in prisons reform, education and small biz. Only thing that was about me was barbering and that was about getting black boys a trade ??♂️ https://t.co/ytsU3fYwkd
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) September 10, 2020
As a high ranking NAACP member wud u NOT meet and discuss making Alabama more progressive with y’all L’s Gov. lemme also state I own a farm in that state and am very connected to my family there so I care frfr https://t.co/9Xxjb1pOk2
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) September 10, 2020
Gonna be posting our Get Out The Vote efforts. The entertainment community in Atl is stepping up! Very proud to see https://t.co/KMqv1DmDsp
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) September 10, 2020