“Second chances are critical”: Kemba Smith-Pradia speaks with Nonprofit Quarterly

“In many ways, [Kemba] Smith Pradia [Leading with Conviction™ 2019] was a victim of the tough-on-crime policies enacted during the War on Drugs. Although she never sold drugs, her boyfriend at the time was the leader of a major drug ring. Even though she was a victim of domestic abuse at his hands, her connection to him led her to be charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine. She was initially sentenced to 24-and-a-half years in prison.

“There are many others like Smith Pradia who are still incarcerated or struggling to find quality housing and employment due to the lingering impact of the War on Drugs. Former President Biden attempted to alleviate some of this harm during the final days of his administration by commuting the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses just days before leaving office—the highest number of pardons in history.

“By contrast, President Trump has continued to be tough on crime, even going as far as to say that he wants to impose the death penalty on drug dealers.

“As Smith Pradia told NPQ, this makes her shiver it hits so close to home.

I want to strongly encourage government organizations, nonprofits, our legacy civil rights organizations … make sure that we’re having some of the impacted people at the table …

“‘I know, categorically, I was considered a drug dealer because the federal government held me accountable for 255 kilos of crack cocaine even though the prosecutor said I never handled, used, or sold any of the drugs,’ she said.

“Though it is unlikely that the death penalty will ever be imposed for drug offenses in the United States, this sentiment illustrates the obstacles criminal justice advocates may face in the years to come. And yet, they are committed to the battle and remain hopeful that they may even be able to work with some unlikely allies. …

“For Smith Pradia, a key concern right now is reaching young people and ensuring they don’t encounter the criminal justice system. As a survivor of domestic violence, Smith Pradia also believes that all stakeholders in the criminal justice system need to educate themselves on domestic violence and how victims of domestic abuse face an increased risk of incarceration.

“Smith Pradia is committed to advocating for policies like the elimination of mandatory minimum sentences. She believes that a substantial amount of current spending on incarceration could be put to much better use by addressing issues on the front end, and that far too often taxpayer dollars are used to incarcerate people who are no longer a threat to society. And, as someone who was given a second chance, she believes that second chances are critical.

“Though there will be uphill battles in the coming years, Smith Pradia believes that the voices of impacted people must be included in policy discussions.

“‘I want to strongly encourage government organizations, nonprofits, our legacy civil rights organizations, as we move forward in this time,” Smith Pradia said, “that we make sure that we’re having some of the impacted people at the table and we’re strategizing how to move our plans forward.’”

Read the full story at NonprofitQuarterly.org.