KEMBA
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. Learn more at KembaMovie.com.
Take Action
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Clemency for Michelle West
Join the fight for clemency for Michelle West, who is featured in the film. Despite being a survivor of intimate partner violence, Michelle is serving life without parole for her first and only offense due to mandatory minimums. Help bring her home to her daughter.
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Write to Michelle West
Send a message of support to Michelle! Complete a short form, and we’ll print and send a letter from you to Michelle. You can also mail a card or letter directly to her:
Michelle West #17809-039
FCI Waseca
Federal Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 1731
Waseca, MN 56093 -
Support the Legal Defense Fund
The Legal Defense Fund played a pivotal role in securing Kemba’s freedom. Read more about their involvement, watch a video with the real Elaine Jones, and see how you can support their current work.
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Kemba is a fictionalized account of the life of Kemba Smith Pradia. Though she never handled any drugs herself, in 1995 Kemba was sentenced to over 24 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute drugs, due to mandatory minimum sentencing laws. She was pardoned by President Clinton in 2000.
Kemba’s sentence is typical of so many women who are impacted by mass incarceration. Since 1980, women’s incarceration has grown by over 700%—faster than any other population in the country. Women, and in particular women of color, are disproportionately incarcerated through harsh drug law enforcement and sentencing. Like Kemba, over 85% of women entering the justice system are survivors. Whether due to substance use or partner or caregiver violence, there is a profound lack of awareness and support offered in response to the coercive dynamics facing too many women.
Represent Justice is committed to addressing the justice system’s impact on young women of color and highlighting the harms caused by extreme sentencing. The Kemba impact campaign will mobilize audiences across the country to participate in the movement advocating for sentencing reform. The time to act is now, while an increasing number of jurisdictions are either passing or considering legislation to offer shorter sentences to survivors of family violence, intimate partner violence, and human trafficking who have committed offenses closely linked to their victimization experiences.
In early 2024, Represent Justice will partner with Kemba and the film’s team to launch an impact campaign, leveraging the attention of the Kemba broadcast on BET+, BET, BET Her, and BET International. Prior to the broadcast, the film is screening at film festivals and special preview events.
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CREW
Kelley Kali, Director
Christine Swanson, Writer
Rob Pfaltzgraff, p.g.a, Producer
Lana Link, p.g.a, Producer
Stacey Parks, p.g.a, Producer
Nick Reid, Executive Producer
Kemba Smith, Executive Producer
Constance Orlando, Executive Producer
Maureen Guthman, Executive Producer
CAST
Kemba by Nesta Cooper
Khalif by Siddiq Saunderson
Gus Smith by Sean Patrick Thomas
Odessa Smith by Michelle Hurd
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