Common, Questlove, Nas & More Speak Out Against Trump’s Family Separation Policy

News - 5 years ago

Dimas Sanfiorenzo Dimas Sanfiorenzo is the Managing Editor for Okayplayer. He specializes…

Photo Credit: Ginny Suss for Okayplayer

Photo Credit: Ginny Suss for Okayplayer

Rappers have come out strong against Trump’s new policy

Last month, President Donald Trump’s Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a new “zero tolerance” policy when it comes to immigrants who try to cross the border. When Sessions made the announcement, the AG said: “If you are smuggling a child then we will prosecute you, and that child will be separated from you as required by law.”

Since then, more than 2,000 children have been separated from their parents at the border. These children are being placed in makeshift tents and centers, while their parents are being prosecuted.

WATCH: Dave Chappelle Says Donald Trump is “Like a Bad DJ at a Good Party”

The new policy and the treatment these children have dominated news coverage. You can’t ignore the story anymore.

Celebrities and rappers aren’t quiet, either. These pop culture figures have been speaking out against the images and details that are being released. Some have released details about how you can help. Others have shared the harrowing video of Rachel Maddow crying during a newscast on Tuesday evening.

READ: Donald Trump Asks: Why Should We Allow Immigrants From Haiti & “Shithole Countries” in Africa

Scroll down to see what Questlove, Common, Nas, T.I.,Lin-Manuel Miranda, Diddy, and more are saying about Trump and his “zero tolerance” policy.

Questlove

From @linguafrancanyc’s feed. I know I know “it’s not gonna matter if i call” IT WILL MATTER AND DOES! I called, you call.

A post shared by Questlove Gomez (@questlove) on Jun 19, 2018 at 3:04pm PDT

This is as easy as it gets folks. I read the comments. It can’t get no easier than this. This helps ALOT!!! #keepfamiliestogether

A post shared by Questlove Gomez (@questlove) on Jun 20, 2018 at 12:23am PDT

An argument I hear a lot is “well what am I saying “yes” to? Well let’s start here. Voting in midterms can be the first step in helping to end this nightmare we are in (never letting up and getting all celebratory like 2008 “I voted for Obama” clearly has shown that ain’t enough. Follow @moveon for suggestions.

A post shared by Questlove Gomez (@questlove) on Jun 20, 2018 at 12:35am PDT

Cardi B

DO IT NOW !!

A post shared by Cardi B Official IG (@iamcardib) on Jun 19, 2018 at 9:16pm PDT

Nas

The result of evil ways.

A post shared by Nasir Jones (@nas) on Jun 20, 2018 at 8:26am PDT

T.I.

This is Fu*king Disgusting!!! Swipe and take action NOW!!!!

A post shared by TIP (@troubleman31) on Jun 19, 2018 at 11:48pm PDT

I’m literally sick to my stomach about these babies being snatched out of the arms of their mothers!!! It’s a travesty of enormous proportions that MUST BE PUT TO AN END!!!! We ALL HAVE TO DO SOMETHING!!!! I’m ashamed to be an American!!!

A post shared by TIP (@troubleman31) on Jun 19, 2018 at 11:55pm PDT

This is America!!!! The Constitution ain’t shit but a piece of paper wit words on it. This IS NOT THE GREATEST NATION IN THE WORLD!!!! Who tortures and terrorizes children just to suit their own selfish agendas?!?! This is next level antichrist demonic spirited sh*t!!!!

A post shared by TIP (@troubleman31) on Jun 20, 2018 at 12:01am PDT

Common

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. pic.twitter.com/X8rOVv3Du6

— COMMON (@common) June 20, 2018

”Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. pic.twitter.com/QD2EOJOX5S

— COMMON (@common) June 20, 2018

Diddy

God help us! We ALL HAVE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!!! I don’t know what it is yet. But when I do I’ll let you know. I do know this. We must pray. We must LOVE. AND NOW WE MUST FIGHT! My heart is broken. And my prayers and concerns go out to all of the children and the families. These are all our babies! We must protect the children. GOD HELP US.

A post shared by Diddy (@diddy) on Jun 20, 2018 at 8:53am PDT

Kehlani

haven’t spoken because the words seem so redundant and full of anger. i’m angry. i’m sad. i’m disappointed. the worst is that i’m not surprised. we know this country is absolutely not shit but right now our government is saying “we ain’t shit” wit their whole chests. feeling helpless is damaging but there ARE ways to try. the worst thing you can do is not try when opportunities to are presented. my heart is with these kids, and their parents. this is a next fucking level.

A post shared by ARTIVIST 333 (@kehlani) on Jun 20, 2018 at 12:39am PDT

David Banner

You try to tell me things have changed. We give you example after example of what American really is. #Postracial my a*%. When it all blows “America” will blame everyone and everything but it’s self. #Repost @troubleman31 ・・・ This is America!!!! The Constitution ain’t shit but a piece of paper wit words on it. This IS NOT THE GREATEST NATION IN THE WORLD!!!! Who tortures and terrorizes children just to suit their own selfish agendas?!?! This is next level antichrist demonic spirited sh*t!!!!

A post shared by David Banner – Batiany (@davidbannerlikespictures) on Jun 20, 2018 at 1:16am PDT

John Legend

Seriously, fuck you. Reunite the families at the border and we can talk about father’s day. https://t.co/bbG0gVqfzq

— John Legend (@johnlegend) June 16, 2018

Ava DuVernay

I look at myself as a girl and imagine having to travel unsafely in a quest for safety. Be forcibly separated from my mother. Caged with people I don’t know and who don’t know me. Alone in a world I don’t understand. Imagine this for the child you were. We cannot allow this. pic.twitter.com/JIWOiWDXvu

— Ava DuVernay (@ava) June 20, 2018

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Same boat as you, Pa.
Sick to my stomach and heartbroken for our nation this Father’s Day.
Love you. https://t.co/Eu6HL1SMyf

— 🇵🇷 Lin-Manuel Miranda 🏳️‍🌈 (@Lin_Manuel) June 17, 2018