She made national news in 1994 when he was sentenced to 24 and a half years in federal prison for a first-time drug offense. Kemba Smith was a relatively shy young lady from Richmond, Va. She attended a well-known Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Hampton University, where she met a 'bad boy.' He was the 'slick' ladies man who charmed his way into Kemba's heart. He was also a drug dealer who feds say was a part of a $4 million drug ring.

Kemba is in love with the man who eventually abuses her physically, mentally and emotionally. Out of fear, she begins helping him in his drug business. Both end up on the run from the law. In the end, Kemba gets caught, her boyfriend gets killed. 

Today, Kemba is free after serving a substantially reduced sentence with the help of the Legal Defense Fund. She is a much-sought after speaker who speaks around the country about her journey and her will to help other minority women who are in imprisoned unjustly. 

JD also talks with a Senior Policy Associate from the Legal Defense Fund, the nonprofit organization that assisted in reducing Kemba's sentence.

GUESTS

Kemba Smith-Pradia - International public speaker, author, criminal justice advocate

Kristina Roth, Senior Policy Associate - Legal Defense Fund

She made national news in 1994 when he was sentenced to 24 and a half years in federal prison for a first-time drug offense. Kemba Smith was a relatively shy young lady from Richmond, Va. She attended a well-known Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Hampton University, where she met a 'bad boy.' He was the 'slick' ladies man who charmed his way into Kemba's heart. He was also a drug dealer who feds say was a part of a $4 million drug ring.
Kemba is in love with the man who eventually abuses her physically, mentally and emotionally. Out of fear, she begins helping him in his drug business. Both end up on the run from the law. In the end, Kemba gets caught, her boyfriend gets killed. 
Today, Kemba is free after serving a substantially reduced sentence with the help of the Legal Defense Fund. She is a much-sought after speaker who speaks around the country about her journey and her will to help other minority women who are in imprisoned unjustly. 
JD also talks with a Senior Policy Associate from the Legal Defense Fund, the nonprofit organization that assisted in reducing Kemba's sentence.
GUESTS
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kemba_smith/?hl=en">Kemba Smith-Pradia</a> - International public speaker, author, criminal justice advocate
<a href="https://www.naacpldf.org/about-us/staff/kristina-roth/">Kristina Roth</a>, Senior Policy Associate - <a href="https://www.naacpldf.org/case-issue/kemba-smith-black-women-and-mass-incarceration/">Legal Defense Fund</a>

The Charlotte Community Connections podcast spotlights those who are making a difference in the greater Charlotte area. From area non-profits to healthcare initiatives and local leaders to startup entrepreneur, we'll learn the diverse ways we can work together to strengthen our community.  


Interested in being featured on Charlotte Community Connections or have a suggestion?  Drop us a line at janine.davis@bbgi.com.


Make sure to subscribe to the Charlotte Community Connections podcast.  New episodes drop each week.

The Charlotte Community Connections podcast spotlights those who are making a difference in the greater Charlotte area. From area non-profits to healthcare initiatives and local leaders to startup entrepreneur, we'll learn the diverse ways we can work together to strengthen our community.  
 Interested in being featured on Charlotte Community Connections or have a suggestion?  Drop us a line at <a href="mailto:janine.davis@bbgi.com">janine.davis@bbgi.com</a>.
 Make sure to subscribe to the Charlotte Community Connections podcast.  New episodes drop each week.

Advertisement