5/25/2008

Slick Rick Granted Full Pardon By NY Governor David Paterson


After many years of fighting possible deportation by U.S. immigration, pioneering rapper Ricky "Slick Rick" Walters has been granted a pardon by NY's first black governor, David Paterson. Slick Rick served 5 years in prison after being convicted of attempted murder following a highly publicized incident in 1991 involving his cousin and another man. He completed his sentence and probation while continuing to rehabilitate his life and returning to performing. In 2002, he was arrested on an old immigration and naturalization warrant from 1997. He remained in jail for 17 more months as many inside and outside the industry (Rev. Jesse Jackson, Will Smith, Russell Simmons and Chris Rock to name a few) spoke on his behalf. After paying his dues to society, Rick was in danger of returning to his country of origin, England. Due to his work with children and positive lifestyle over the last 10 years, Governor Paterson granted Rick the pardon. This was his first pardon since taking office after the resignation of disgraced former governor Eliot Spitzer. I think its great that the very first pardon was someone who truly deserved it and who holds a legacy like Slick Rick. You can read more of the article from the AP HERE

No comments:

Post a Comment

Related Posts with Thumbnails