Kemba Smith is an inspiring criminal justice reform advocate and founder of the Kemba Smith Foundation. She works tirelessly to raise awareness about the impact of mass incarceration, racial disparities within the justice system, and the importance of second chances. Motivated by her own experiences as a victim of harsh sentencing laws and racial injustice, Kemba brings a powerful and personal perspective to her speaking engagements. She speaks on topics such as systemic racism, criminal justice reform, overcoming adversity, and the importance of education and personal empowerment. Through her work, she aims to inspire meaningful change in policies and perceptions, particularly within communities affected by inequality.
Kemba’s journey into advocacy began in the early 1990s while she was a college student at Hampton University. During this time, she became involved in an abusive relationship that ultimately led to her being charged and sentenced to 24.5 years in federal prison for a non-violent drug offence. After serving six and a half years, Kemba was granted clemency by President Bill Clinton in 2000. Determined to use her experience as a catalyst for change, she completed her degree in social work at Virginia Union University in 2002. Since then, Kemba has committed her life to educating the public about the consequences of unjust sentencing laws and advocating for reform in the criminal justice system.
In recent years, Kemba has continued to make an impact on a national scale. In 2014, she was appointed to the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission, and in 2019, she joined the Virginia Parole Board, both under gubernatorial appointments. In 2024, Kemba expanded her influence in media by becoming the Executive Producer of KEMBA, a film based on her life story. Through her foundation, she works with at-risk youth and communities, providing education and support to prevent others from experiencing similar injustices. Her advocacy extends beyond policy reform, focusing on healing, empowerment, and creating pathways for second chances.
Kemba is hired as a speaker because of her authenticity, lived experience, and unwavering commitment to social justice. Organisations and institutions value her ability to engage diverse audiences with empathy, honesty, and a clear call to action. Her story resonates deeply, making her an influential voice in the conversation around racial equality and criminal justice reform.
