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Growing up as the only child in a Richmond, Virginia suburb, Kemba Smith led an advantaged and sheltered childhood. After graduating from high school in 1989, Kemba left the security of her family to continue her education at prestigious Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. What happened to Kemba in her new campus environment was a nightmare. Away from the protective watch of her mother and father and in an attempt to “fit in”, Kemba fell in with the wrong crowd and became involved with a drug dealer. He was a major figure in a $4 million crack cocaine ring and drew Kemba right in the middle of his life with physical, mental, and emotional abuse disguised as "love."Ms. Smith endured an abusive and turbulent 4 year relationship with her boyfriend and ultimately found herself charged by the federal government with conspiracy to distribute 255 kilos of crack cocaine. Although prosecutors acknowledged that she never sold or used any drugs, she was sentenced to 24.5 years and served 6.5 years in federal prison. Fortunately, Ms. Smith regained her freedom after President Clinton granted her clemency in December 2000. Her case drew support from across the nation and the world in a crusade to reverse a disturbing trend in the rise of lengthy sentences for first time non-violent offenders. Her story has been featured on Nightline, Court TV, The Early Morning Show, Donahue, Judge Hatchett and a host of other television programs, along with several publications such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, Glamour, People, Emerge, and Essence Magazines.Extended Network Banner made with MyBannerMaker.com! Click here to make your own!