Jay Z Meets With Gov. Andrew Cuomo to Discuss Criminal Justice Reform

The worldwide protests on behalf of Eric Garner reached the highest office in New York this week, where Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) has met with community activists including Jay Z and Russell Simmons.

“Governor Cuomo has said he wants a comprehensive review of the current criminal justice system and has been talking with interested parties to discuss just that," read a statement from Cuomo's Director of Communications, Melissa DeRosa.

Hundreds have been arrested in ongoing nationwide protests since the announcement of the non-indictment of the NYPD officer who administered a fatal chokehold on Garner. Polling has revealed that most Americans agree in the disapproval of the lack of charges. And it seems, Cuomo is taking action.

A snapshot of the meeting between him and Hov was re-tweeted on the governor's verified Twitter account, as was a link to the statement.

"Over the last week, [Cuomo] has personally spoken with members of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus, PBA [Patrolmen's Benevolent Association] President Pat Lynch, community activists ... and district attorneys from across the state," the statement continued.

And apparently, this is only the beginning. "[He] looks forward to continuing this dialogue with additional stakeholders in the coming days and weeks.”

Yesterday, it was revealed that Jay has requested a box of "I Can't Breathe" T-shirts. The phrasing, the last words of Eric Garner, has become the collective voice of protesters.

Check out more Musicians on the Front Lines.

Click here to win a trip to the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration in Phoenix, AZ, plus 4 tickets to the Big Game.

BET.com is your #1 source for Black celebrity news, photos, exclusive videos and all the latest in the world of hip hop and R&B music.

Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

(Photo: Melissa DeRosa via Twitter)