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At Hamline’s 21 Commitment to Community presentation, Kemba Smith, author of her book Poster Child, spoke to a packed audience of students and staff about her tragic life story In order to heal the invariable race problems in this country, she argues that we as a community have to change and fight the injustices within the Prison Industrial Complex.
Smith’s speech filled the Hamline United Methodist Church on Thursday Oct 28, as she spoke to those willing to lend an ear and an open mind. Facing 24 and a half years in jail on a first time drug offense, Smith was separated from her newborn, her parents and her outside life.
Smith was introduced by Hamline’s own President Fayneese Miller, who coincidentally went to Hampton University, the same as Smith.
At Hampton, Smith fell in love with Peter Haul, who unbeknown to her, was a drug dealer, and would soon become abusive. Haul became violent, forcing Smith to smuggle counterfeit bills. The federal government nearly caught Haul, but in his last moments he shot himself in the head. In 1994, Smith turned herself over.
The church was full, and the air was thick with all eyes on Smith. She spoke out against the injustices of the United State’s prison-industrial complex, using herself as the prime example.
“It cost them $25,000 to keep me incarcerated for a year,” Smith said. “Am I a threat to the outside world?”
Smith’s question begs society to take another look at first time drug offenders, who are, most of the time, young multicultural women and children.
“Six-and-a-half years in prison is something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy,” Smith said.
Despite not handling or using any drugs, she still was doled out a 24 and a half year sentence at the age of 21.
“They were handing out sentences to first time offenders like candy in a candy shop,” Smith said.
Fortunately for Smith, Former president Bill Clinton signed for Smith’s sentence to be reduced, but only after 6 years and the birth of her child in prison.
Women in the audience that evening openly sympathized with Smith and her situation. Despite her harrowing journey through navigating the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 to reduce her heavy sentence, she still motivates and encourages those going through similar hardship.
“There’s too many options out there,” Smith said,referencing to her own choices. “Why mess around?”
Smith claims that it was because of her race that she was given out a harsher punishment.
“Race is the elephant in the room, white people habitually use more drugs than minorities ever do,” Smith said.
Smith then gave a warning to everyone in the room, allowing her own sentencing and the time she was put away for the drugs she never did, to hold true
“Don’t allow the system to snatch you up and take you away from your family,” Smith warned.
After surviving life in prison and leaving friends behind bars, Smith still had hope for the future. As to what changes need to be made to make the system better, Smith responded with two chilling words.
“A LOT.”
Smith then laid out what should be done to right the complex prison industry.
“No more underaged justice system and juvenile delinquency. Rethink what is called a crime and who is called a criminal. Voter suppression laws-What, in the U.S.? Voting is a right!” Smith proclaimed.
Smith spoke out against the unfair treatment of minority children in Juvenile Delinquency, lightening up drug policy and sentencing for first-time offenders, and the public safety issues surrounding a released convict.
“I hope I said at least one thing you can take from this discussion,” Smith said. “A person is a person, There are other Kemba Smith’s out there. Things need to be fixed, you can fix that.”
Symbolizing hope for the future, Smith’s own book, Poster Child, was for sale after the conference in the church’s basement.