As Atlantic City played host to REFORM Alliance‘s highly anticipated Casino Night and Gala in 2025, three of music’s most influential figures—The Weeknd, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z—headlined the star-studded event dedicated to advancing criminal justice reform. The trio’s participation brought unprecedented visibility to REFORM’s mission of transforming probation and parole systems across America, a cause they have each previously championed through their individual activism efforts.
Music powerhouses The Weeknd, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z unite for criminal justice reform at REFORM Alliance’s Atlantic City Gala.
The Casino Night, held at one of Atlantic City’s premier venues, attracted extensive media coverage, with photographers capturing the artists’ arrivals and their interactions with policymakers, donors, and formerly incarcerated individuals. Their presence at the gala represented more than celebrity endorsement; it symbolized a cross-industry commitment to addressing systemic inequities in the criminal justice system.
REFORM Alliance, known for its work to reduce incarceration rates and advocate for fairer sentencing laws, strategically leveraged the star power to amplify its message. The organization’s approach combines cultural influence with concrete policy initiatives, using events like this gala to fund legal advocacy, education programs, and legislative research efforts.
The fundraising outcomes from previous REFORM events have yielded multimillion-dollar donations, enabling the organization to expand its lobbying capabilities and community outreach. The 2023 gala impressively generated over $24 million for REFORM initiatives aimed at systemic change. This financial support remains essential for sustaining long-term criminal justice initiatives, particularly as the alliance targets reforms to decrease disparities in the system.
Media reception of the gala highlighted how these artists have evolved into significant social justice advocates. Their participation has helped destigmatize discussions around criminal justice reform, bringing these issues into mainstream conversation. The event generated substantial media interest across major outlets, further extending the reach of REFORM’s message beyond those physically present at the gala. As one observer noted, their involvement bridges entertainment and activism in ways that make complex policy issues more accessible to the general public.
The collaboration between The Weeknd, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and REFORM Alliance exemplifies the emerging role of artists as change agents in contemporary society. Beyond their advocacy work, these artists continue to diversify their income through sync deals and other revenue streams while using their platforms for social impact. Many of them are also registered with performing rights organizations to ensure they receive royalties when their protest songs and social justice anthems are publicly performed. Their collective presence in Atlantic City demonstrated how cultural figures can translate their influence into meaningful advocacy for systemic change beyond the entertainment industry.
