‘Grey’s Anatomy’ actor Isaiah Washington took to social media on Monday to thank President Trump for his support of the “First Step Act,” legislation dedicated to criminal justice reform and prisoner rehabilitation.
Washington also took a moment to blast Barack Obama for not giving him the time of day when it came to supporting Africa or the ‘black agenda.’
Noting that he voted for Obama twice over his two terms, the accomplished actor said: “Not once in 8 years was I given any support regarding Africa or the Black Agenda, but 45 invites me to the WH to celebrate the #FirstStepAct.”
Washington followed up by explaining that the bill is the first step to “end mass incarceration” and called for the President to deliver reparations by 2020.
I voted for 44 twice. I even checked my emails in his Senate Office while lobbying for Salone to be given another chance to rebrand. Not once in 8 years was I given any support regarding Africa or the Black Agenda, but 45 invites me to the WH to celebrate the #FirstStepAct ??♂️
— Isaiah Washington (@IWashington) April 1, 2019
Reparations are supported by most of the top Democrat candidates for President, and will likely not be taken up by the current White House. Nor should they be.
‘Salone’ is a reference to the West African nation of Sierra Leone, where Washington has citizenship and performs charity work.
Minorities Benefitting Under Trump
Aside from the historic job numbers, minorities have benefitted in other areas under this administration, particularly criminal justice reform.
President Trump has been an avid advocate of prison reform, supported The First Step Act, sentencing reforms, and hosted a Prison Reform Summit where he sought input from over 100 activists, experts, and policymakers. He also issued a pardon to Alice Marie Johnson, demonstrating his sincerity on the matter.
The President expressed support for a bipartisan compromise bill which would lower lifetime mandatory minimum sentences for people with prior nonviolent drug felony convictions, and expand exceptions to the application of mandatory minimum sentences to more people with criminal histories.
President @realDonaldTrump supports reasonable, compassionate prison reform that keeps our streets safe by helping former inmates transition to life on the outside. ⬇️ https://t.co/yXsBrEVuWW
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 9, 2018
Upon passage of the First Step Act, which the Hill described as a major bipartisan victory for the President, Trump declared that it would “keep our communities safer, and provide hope and a second chance, to those who earn it.”
Tweeted Photos From the White House
Washington also posted pictures from the White House with other advocates of the First Step Act, including Van Jones, Louis Reed, and human rights attorney Jessica Jackson.
Those who know, know that I’m not a Democrat or a Republican. I will work w/h anyone as long as things get done. The #FirstStepAct was passed on December 21, 2018 w/h the hard work of @JessyMichele @LouislReed @VanJones68 and @cut_50 I’m proud to stand with them all today. ?? pic.twitter.com/Y1yTIs088g
— Isaiah Washington (@IWashington) April 1, 2019
Jones, too, has heaped praise on Trump and conservatives in general for being leaders on the criminal justice reform movement, something he seems surprised to confess.
“Here’s the deal — the conservative movement in this country… is now the leader on this issue of [criminal justice] reform…” Jones said at this year’s CPAC. “Take some dadgum credit for being smart. Take some dadgum credit for getting it right.”
“Those who know, know that I’m not a Democrat or a Republican,” Washington added. “I will work w/h anyone as long as things get done.”
Things are getting done under Trump. Nothing was getting done under Obama.
