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 an attorney from the Legal Defense Fund — the nonprofit organization who assisted in getting Kemba’s sentence reduced.

GUESTS

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

Kristina Roth, Senior Policy Associate – Legal Defense Fund