In the midst of a national crisis, prison inmates are often an afterthought for the general public.
Rapper and community activist Trae the Truth is working to do something about it. The rapper reached an agreement with Harris County officials to allow inmates to attend virtual funerals for loved ones during the pandemic.
The agreement was reached between the rapper and the office of Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. Inmates can now attend funerals via Zoom. While it doesn't take the place of attending an in-person burial, inmates can still receive some closure despite sentences and pending cases, according to the press release.
In a post shared to Instagram, Trae the Truth said, "I stepped up on behalf of the inmates locked up to come to a understanding with the jail to allow inmates to at least be part of laying they love ones to rest... In most cases you cant be involved with a funeral at all when u locked up, so now I made it where they will at least be able to Zoom the funeral," Trae the Truth said.
This is a first for the city of Houston, as inmates aren't typically allowed to attend funerals. While it's not ideal to attend a virtual funeral, the opportunity allows inmates a degree of closure while behind bars.
"It might not be the best but at least they can see their loves ones off... This is a major step forward for those locked up. Hopefully it will spread to more than just the County. Grateful."
Since the initiative began, Harris County has conducted over 20 funerals via Zoom.
Source: Houston Chronicle
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