How many years did Kemba Smith get in prison? Conviction and sentence explored as Biden pardons prison reform activist

Richmond native Kemba Smith, a prison reform activist, has been pardoned by President Joe Biden. She has been serving a 24.5-year stint in prison since 1994 for a crime she claims she isn't guilty of.

As reported by the official Congress website, Kemba Smith was thereby named the "poster child" in the war against drugs and the flaws of lengthy sentencing for first-time, non-violent drug offenders. Although she is now a criminal justice advocate, the website said:

Smith "went from college student to drug dealer's girlfriend to domestic violence victim to federal prisoner."

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All we know about Kemba Smith: Advocate, consultant, and inspiration for women across the nation

President Joe Biden pardoned Kemba Smith on January 19, 2025, alongside a slew of nationalists, lawmakers, and advocates for immigrant rights and gun regulations, among other things.

Over the years, Kemba Smith has been the subject of many a television series, a movie, and publication, and it was this support that triggered former President Bill Clinton to commute her sentence in December 2000. By then, she had already served over six years behind bars.

As for what she does today, here's what the official statement from the Congress says:

"Today, Kemba is a wife, mother, public speaker, advocate, consultant and author of Poster Child. She has worked with senior officials at The White House, the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Members of Congress, and has led trainings for Federal and State Probation organizations across the country. She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her courage and determination as a motivational speaker and advocate."

Furthermore, it states that Governor Ralph Northam in 2019 appointed Kemba to the Virginia Parole Board, where she continues to serve on the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission. Before her current stint, she worked as State Advocacy Campaigns Director for the ACLU of Virginia.

Kemba Smith is also the founder of a foundation that bears her name, where she serves as an role model for the youth and women to prevent them from going down a similar path. The official statement from the White House reads as follows, in part:

"Since her release, she has been outspoken on issues related to criminal justice, domestic violence, women’s empowerment, and racial equity through her non-profit foundation. She has also worked with nationally-recognized civil rights and criminal justice organizations," and "testified before Congress and the United Nations."

It goes on to note:

"Advocates and lawmakers praise her effort to transform her life and heal from the traumatic experiences of her past, as well as her fierce and courageous advocacy for incarcerated persons and survivors of domestic violence."

In a statement, as reported by NPR, Smith lauded the soon-to-be former President, Joe Biden, for his actions:

"His decision reflects the growing recognition that many of the harsh sentences imposed during the height of the War on Drugs caused immeasurable harm, particularly to women who have experienced intimate partner violence and communities of color."

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The statement from the White House reads that on Sunday, January 19, the President

The President "exercised his clemency power to pardon 5 individuals and commute the sentences of 2 individuals who have demonstrated remorse, rehabilitation, and redemption. These clemency recipients have each made significant contributions to improving their communities."