During a recent criminal justice reform discussion at the Roxbury Community College auditorium, Robert Kraft took a moment to advocate for his son, Josh Kraft, who is currently running for mayor of Boston.
After the panel concluded, Robert Kraft addressed the audience directly, emphasizing that his son’s integrity and dedication to the city speak louder than any so-called ‘false narratives.’
He urged the attendees to view Josh independently of family ties, stating, “I hope that the voters of the city of Boston will judge him on his track record, his merits, and not on those false narratives that others have tried to push.”
Josh Kraft has made efforts throughout his campaign to distinguish himself from his family’s affluent background, noting that he did not work in the family business, unlike his older brothers.
Despite their differences, Josh expressed a desire for his father to be present during the event to share the valuable lessons imparted by his parents about community engagement.
Josh stated, “My father taught me early that our family’s success doesn’t mean much if we’re not using it to lift up other people.”
The panel featured discussions about criminal justice reform, with Robert Kraft sharing his friendship with rapper Meek Mill, who faced gun and drug charges at a young age.
These charges were later reduced to a single misdemeanor. Kraft and Mill have collaborated with figures like Jay-Z on initiatives aimed at advocating for national prison reform through the REFORM Alliance.
The panelists, including Mac Hudson and Donasia Fountain, shared personal experiences that highlighted the urgent need for policy changes in probation terms and improving conditions in prisons.
Hudson pointed out the harsh realities of incarceration, stating, “Prison is a place that everyone experiences oppression, but Black and brown folks experience it at a higher velocity than anyone.”
Robert Kraft expressed his support for reform and encouraged the audience to actively participate in making changes within the criminal justice system.
His attendance at this event marked a rare public appearance alongside Josh since his mayoral campaign began.
One significant reason why Josh continues to carve out his own identity in the political sphere is due to his father’s history of close ties with former President Donald Trump.
While Robert Kraft has openly supported Trump, Josh has taken a firm stance criticizing him, especially in a city that largely opposes the former president.
When asked if his father’s political affiliations affected his campaign, Josh acknowledged their disagreements regarding Trump but reiterated his love and respect for his father.
Josh stated, “My dad has done a lot of great work, and I’d be lucky to make as much of an impact for the rest of my life.”
Despite his attempts to differentiate himself from his family’s legacy, it is evident that Josh Kraft has still benefitted from their extensive network.
He has secured substantial campaign funds from employees at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton, & Garrison LLP, a prominent New York law firm that recently struck a settlement deal with Trump, a negotiation brokered by Robert Kraft.
Additionally, campaign donations have come from associates of Robert Kraft, including NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
In conversations with reporters, Josh dismissed the notion of ‘false narratives,’ stating, “What means something to me? Our policies and our vision to make life better for every single resident in the city of Boston.”
image source from：bostonglobe
