Ja Rule and his mother, Debra Atkins, have long shared a special bond. Raised by a single parent, it's always been a “me and mommy against the world” mantra, as the artist puts it.
Rapper Murder Inc. he often seeks to give back to the community, especially when it comes to his hometown of New York, and spreads joy for the women in his life. In anticipation of Mother's Day, Ja Rule teamed up with REFORM Alliance and The Ladies of Hope Ministries to host a special Mother's Day luncheon at NYC hotspot Sei Less on Tuesday evening (May 7).
Forty mothers and their children—all of whom shared a common bond of being negatively impacted by the criminal justice system—received an afternoon of therapy at the Midtown Asian fusion restaurant.
“For something like this for mothers who have been through incarceration, I can relate to it and it's close to my heart, so to be a part of it is special to me,” the Pain is Love says the rhyme Advertising sign bonding with moms in attendance. “It's very difficult for a mom to be incarcerated and have children and be able to do that. It's very difficult, so I sympathize with them in many ways.”
Ja Rule & Sei Less Mother's Day Meal
Courtesy of Sei Less
Ja Rule exchanged heartfelt stories with the mothers as they talked about their experiences and struggles of parenting while involved in the criminal justice system.
Although he has since won platinum plaques, record deals and records, the 48-year-old still reflects on the emotional moment he “became a man”. Growing up, Ja and his mother faced another eviction and he knew it was time to move on.
“One moment that always impresses me is the day I grew up as a man. When we were going through an eviction in one of our apartments, this particular time he broke my mom down like I've never seen her before and she was crying,” the rapper shares. Advertising sign. “At that moment, I feel like I became a man because I understood the mission, as they say.”
“I couldn't cry in that moment with her and I had to be stronger for her, even though I felt her emotion,” she continues. “That meant everything to her, too — her son, her baby, her only son being able to say, 'Mom, it's going to be OK. Even though I have to pull us, we'll be fine.”
Ja Rule & Sei Less Mother's Day Lunch
Courtesy of Sei Less
While new friendships were formed during the three-hour celebration, lunch attendees enjoyed Sei Less delicacies such as filet mignon, chicken satay, rock shrimp tempura, chicken wontons and other popular dishes.
“We are incredibly honored to have partnered with Ja Rule on such a special day for these mothers filled with unforgettable memories,” says Sei Less co-owner Ivi Shano. Advertising sign of his field playing host. “This event isn't just about a meal or a gift – it's about making a lasting impact, spreading love in our community and making a real difference in the lives of these mothers.”
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/ja-rule-mothers-day-lunch-moms-impacted-justice-system-1235676496/