Kemba Smith

Criminal Justice Advocate, Author, Virginia Parole Board Member

Travels From Travels From:
Virginia, USA
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Kemba Smith Biography

Growing up as an only child in Richmond, Virginia, Kemba Smith Pradia graduated high school and continued her education at the prestigious Hampton University. What happened to Smith Pradia in her new campus environment was a nightmare, leading to a 24.5-year sentence in a federal prison. In December 2000, after serving 6.5 years, President Bill Clinton commuted her sentence to time served.

Smith Pradia shares her traumatic real life experience in her book, “Poster Child: The Kemba Smith Story.” Featured on CNN, Nightline, Court TV, The Early Morning Show, Donahue, Judge Hatchett, and a host of other television programs, Smith Pradia’s story has also been written about in several national publications including The Washington Post, The New York Times, Glamour, People, JET, Emerge, Diverse Issues in Higher Education, and Essence magazines. Moreover, her story is set to be adapted into a film by Rainforest Films.

Smith Pradia is a graduate of both Hampton University and Virginia Union University. She was a past recipient of a two-year Soros Justice Postgraduate Fellowship for advocates. In December 2014, Smith Pradia was appointed a member of the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission by Governor Terry McAuliffe, and in 2019, Governor Ralph Northam appointed her to the Virginia Parole Board. She has spoken at the White House, testified before Congress and the United Nations regarding a variety of criminal justice issues including: crack cocaine sentencing, mandatory drug sentencing, women and incarceration, felony disenfranchisement, and re-entry.

Smith Pradia is a popular speaker at colleges, universities, high schools, juvenile facilities, churches, and national conferences across the nation. She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her courage and determination to educate the public about the devastating consequences of current drug policies and for her commitment in serving young people. Additionally, she has led trainings for Federal and State Probation organizations throughout the country.

Smith Pradia believes in sharing her story as an educational tool to prevent other youth from going down a similar path. Ultimately, Smith Pradia knows that there is a lesson in each experience in life, and she has embraced her experience, learned from it, and is now using that experience to teach others. She continues to actively serve on the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission and leads the Kemba Smith Foundation, her own non-profit organization dedicated to advocacy and reform.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 09/04/2024.

Kemba Smith Speaking Topics

  • The Power of Women

  • Black History

  • Get Involved! Youth & Student Activism

  • American Drug Policy & Its Devastating Effects

  • Domestic Violence, Self Esteem & Relationships: When "Love" Is Really Abuse in Disguise

  • Overcoming Adversity

Kemba Smith Videos

  • Live Nation Urban Presents | Episode 7: Kemba Smith
    Episode 7 of The Souls of Black Folk features author, public speaker, and criminal justice consultant, Kemba Smith.
  • Kemba Smith Pradia's | WREG Channel News
    Kemba Smith joins WREG News Channel 3 to discuss her experience with abuse and human trafficking: I'm the Voice for the Many Who Deserve Freedom"
  • Interview with Kemba Smith Motivational Speaker

Kemba Smith Books

  • Poster Child : The Kemba Smith Story
    Poster Child : The Kemba Smith Story

FAQs on booking Kemba Smith

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  • What topics does Kemba Smith speak about?

    Kemba Smith is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Black Heritage, College, Culture, Diversity & Inclusion, Government, Influential Women, Inspirational, Personal Growth, Political, Social Activism, Women.
  • Where does Kemba Smith travel from?

    Kemba Smith generally travels from Virginia, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Kemba Smith is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as The Power of Women, Black History, Get Involved! Youth & Student Activism, American Drug Policy & Its Devastating Effects, Domestic Violence, Self Esteem & Relationships: When "Love" Is Really Abuse in Disguise and Overcoming Adversity. The estimated speaking fee range to book Kemba Smith for your event is $5,000 - $10,000. Kemba Smith generally travels from VA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Victoria Rowell, Dr. Brenda Combs, Ed.D., Tonya Lewis Lee, Angela Davis and Dr. Tererai Trent. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Kemba Smith for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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