KEMBA is a BET Original and MPI Original film based on the life story of Kemba Smith Pradia, who is an executive producer. The film follows Kemba’s journey as a college student who falls in love with a man only to find out he isn’t who he seems. When Kemba learns of her boyfriend Khalif’s true identity as a drug kingpin, he turns abusive—grooming straight-laced Kemba to overlook his illicit dealings. Though she never dealt or handled drugs, Kemba receives a sentence of over 24 years for her boyfriend’s crimes—placing her in the middle of the government’s “war on drugs.” Never losing hope, her parents along with an attorney with the Legal Defense Fund launch a campaign for appeal and later clemency, harnessing the power of Black civic organizations, sororities, celebrities, and lawmakers to help free Kemba.

We are honored to use the film’s powerful storytelling to build momentum in communities across the country and encourage them to join the call to free Michelle West. A survivor of intimate partner violence, Michelle has been in prison for more than 32 years, despite having no prior offenses. Kemba has been advocating for Michelle's freedom for over 23 years. The movie highlights Michelle’s story and through the film’s impact campaign, we’ve been fighting to help bring Michelle home, and the many other women like her serving harsh sentences.