I guess I will start off with the good stuff for now this week. There has been so much that has been trending that was simply awful, I wanted to remain hopeful and spread something good. In recent news, Cyntoia Brown received an early birthday gift, with Governor Bill Haslam granting the 30 year-old clemency.
Brown, was sentence to 51 years for the murder of Johnny Allen who held her captive in order to solicit her for sex. Cyntoia was a young, teenage, Tennessee girl when she was caught up in the life of sex trafficking… A problem that plagues our country. Her story gained attention after the likes of Kim Kardashian and Rihanna raised awareness about her case. Many other social activists took wind and joined in on the campaign to free Brown from prison. She had been tried as an adult despite being only 16 at the time of the murder as well as already serving over a decade in.
If you are not familiar with the story, Cyntoia Brown fatally shot Allen in the back of the head while he was lying in bed beside her. Brown said she had been forced into prostitution and was scared for her life when she killed Allen. Several pleas and legal attempts had seemed futile. Despite the setbacks, Brown completed her GED and got a college degree from Lipscomb University while in prison.
Governor Haslam said in a statement, “Cyntoia Brown committed, by her own admission, a horrific crime at the age of 16. Yet, imposing a life sentence on a juvenile that would require her to serve at least 51 years before even being eligible for parole consideration is too harsh, especially in light of the extraordinary steps Ms. Brown has taken to rebuild her life. Transformation should be accompanied by hope. So, I am commuting Ms. Brown’s sentence, subject to certain conditions.”
After the governor’s decision to allow her parole in August, Brown thanked the Haslam, “…for your act of mercy in giving me a second chance. I will do everything I can to justify your faith in me. With God’s help, I am committed to live the rest of my life helping others, especially young people. My hope is to help other young girls avoid ending up where I have been.”
It’s stories like these that not only restore my faith in humans but to some extent, the US justice system. I sincerely hope that Ms. Brown takes moment as not only a gift but as a means to in turn help the next young girl just like her. To the other young ladies who feel stuck in the “life” there is hope. You don’t have to feel trapped.
Well Until Next Time Kiddies,
shalom
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Published by drunkeninsomniacwriter
Always writing. Always Awake! The Drunken Insomniac Writer has been blogging since 2006. Discussing popular topics such as movies, music & pop culture. She always commentates on touchy subjects regarding race, gender and so much more. As R.S. Lewis, she is a new but familiar face in the horror genre who has written erotic thrillers such as The Virus Within. View all posts by drunkeninsomniacwriter January 4, 2019
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