Actor Isaiah Washington was invited to D.C. in celebration of the legislation and passing of the First Step Act, which is dedicated to criminal justice reform and prisoner rehabilitation. Following the festivities, Washington tweeted praises to Donald Trump for supporting the reform act and slammed #BarackObama for lack of action regarding “the Black Agenda.”
His tweet read, “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.”
Washington followed up with tweets stating that The First Step Act is the first step to “end mass incarceration” and called for Trump to deliver reparations in 2020. He also tweeted to his followers, “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 First Step Act, which Congress passed last year, gives judges more discretion when sentencing drug offenders while favoring rehabilitation efforts over incarceration.
Just this week, Trump hosted a celebration at the White House with ex-convicts who were granted early release under the act such as Gregory Allen and Alice Marie Johnson. Allen told The New York Post, “Two months ago, I was in a prison cell. And I’m in the White House. That’s continuing to make America great again.”
