Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman

Jay-Z & Yo Gotti Star In Heartbreaking “Exposing Parchman” Trailer

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Mississippi’s corrupt Parchman Penitentiary will be under the microscope in Jay-Z and Yo Gotti’s upcoming documentary. A&E’s Exposing Parchman debuts on Saturday, June 17th at 8 p.m. The doc takes a closer look at the reform work Hov and Gotti have done. Over the years, the two rappers worked with local attorneys and activists to highlight the injustices at the facility. The poor living conditions at Parchman Penitentiary have been a point of contention in recent years. Videos and reports emerged in recent years of death by suicide, homicide, and illness have emerged. 

Roc Nation’s social justice branch, Team Roc, will produce the documentary with Good Caper Content and Summer TV. The trailer for Exposing Parchman includes appearances from both Yo Gotti and Jay-Z. Additionally, the doc will share heartbreaking stories from the families impacted by the living standards of the correctional facility. “Our hope is that this documentary will educate the public about these torturous injustices, hold the leaders in Mississippi accountable for fostering unconstitutional and inhumane conditions in Parchman,” Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez said.

Exposing Parchman Trailer Debut 

The trailer for Exposing Parchman comes roughly two years after Jay-Z and Team ROC filed several lawsuits. The Roc Nation branch began to take action against Parchman Penitentiary and healthcare provider Certene. At the same time, they also helped provide legal aid for 200 inmates at the prison. The pressure from Team ROC led to an investigation by the U.S. Justice Department. Following their discoveries, they concluded that “Mississippi routinely violates the constitutional rights of people incarcerated at Parchman.” The DOJ then began to inform the state of the evidence and proof behind their findings.

“My heart goes out to the incarcerated men who have suffered without access to clean water, food and healthcare and the families that tragically lost loved ones in the process,” Yo Gotti said in a statement. “I will continue to stand up for the voiceless until they receive the justice they deserve. I’m grateful for the U.S. Department of Justice’s thorough report to hold the Mississippi Department of Corrections accountable for the cruel and inhumane treatment of the incarcerated population.” Check out the official trailer for A&E’s Exposing Parchman above. 

Jay-Z & Yo Gotti Drop Lawsuit Against Mississippi Prison

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During the 2020 quarantine, many activists shifted their attention to the prison system. At the time, Jay-Z’s social justice initiative Team Roc issued several federal lawsuits against the Mississippi State Penitentiary system in Parchman. Inmates complained of inhumane conditions that were shared online. NBC News reported information about “deprivation of medical care,” but that wasn’t all. Rat feces, cockroaches, and bird excrement were reportedly in the food being served.

The lawsuits were reportedly filed “on behalf of over 200” inmates. In an update, Jay and Gotti dropped their suits after the prisons received upgrades in the years that followed.

Read More: JAY-Z, Yo Gotti, And Team ROC Push The DOJ To Investigate Prison For Inhumane Conditions

These upgrades include stainless steel showers, working ambulances, and functioning air conditioning and plumbing systems. Additionally, there will be recreational areas available, mold was removed, and access to updated kitchen areas was improved. However, if things go back to how they were, Team Roc could refile.

“We are pleased with the changes made to date and the improvements in the day to day lives of the guys’ inside,” said attorney Jordan Siev, who works with Team Roc. “But we’re also cognizant of the fact that Parchman has had a long history of lawsuits, improvements and then backsliding conditions.”

“We’re pleased that improvements have been made inside, but we’re also not going to take our foot off the gas.”

Read More: Team Roc Intensifies Its Pressure On The Kansas City Police In New Open Letter

Yo Gotti also released a statement, saying he is glad changes have been made. However, he believes this speaks to a larger issue.

“We’re pleased that Parchman has started to address the cruel and inhumane prison conditions after the Department of Justice’s investigation, but we aren’t satisfied with short-term improvements,” he said.

“The Mississippi Department of Corrections has neglected these torturous living conditions for decades, so we will continue to hold them accountable and ensure they commit to creating long-lasting change that safely protects their incarcerated population.”

Read More: Team ROC Announces United Justice Coalition Summer Summit

Meanwhile, the State Department of Corrections legal department promised to continue efforts to maintain these upgrades.

“We have and will continue to make diligent efforts to improve the quality of life for all individuals in the custody of the MDOC and provide them with opportunities to successfully return to their communities. That is our ongoing commitment.”

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