Grammy-nominated rapper hosts forum on impact of Black Lives Matter movement

CHARLOTTE — A Grammy-nominated rapper, former Carolina Panthers player, sheriff and local city councilman are getting together Friday to discuss what’s unfolding in our country.

Rapper DaBaby, former Panther Thomas Davis, Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden and City Councilman Braxton Winston discussed police reform, systemic racism and the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement in North Carolina.

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“Black Lives Been Mattered” was held at the Harvey B. Gantt Center in uptown.

DaBaby, whose real name is Jonathan Kirk, said he’s had experiences with police and it’s time to have a serious conversation about this in Charlotte.

“Why have 20 cops try to find a reason to arrests someone coming to do their job?” DaBaby said.

Davis shared his story of being pulled over during his rookie year.

“Cops snatched me out the car, instantly put me in handcuffs,” Davis said. “I asked him, ‘Why is this happening?’”

The panelists are working together to learn why there are disparities of people of color being thrown into the legal system and how to stop it.

“I am going to do more this time around,” DaBaby said. “I will use my platform. I need to be more educated on voting.”

Davis announced he will donate $100,000 to help bond men out of jail on Father’s Day.

“It’s not about sitting back and listening,” Davis said. “It’s about taking action and that is what I will decide to do.”

Davis and the other panelists encouraged people to do what they can to make a positive change in the community.

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