Women, Incarceration, and Survival: Kemba Screening and Panel Discussion

November 6, 2024 @ 6:00PM — 9:30PM Central Time (US & Canada) Add to Calendar

Northwestern Pritzker School of Law: 420 East Superior Street Room: Rb150 Chicago, IL 60611 Get Directions

Women, Incarceration, and Survival: Kemba Screening and Panel Discussion image
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Justice for Survivors: Exploring Criminalization, Clemency, and Second Chances for Women in Abusive Relationships

Event Description
IPP is hosting a screening of Kemba, a BET and MPI original film, followed by a panel discussion. The film is based on the life of Kemba Smith Pradia, who was sentenced to over 24 years in prison for her boyfriend’s crimes, despite never handling or dealing drugs herself. The screening will explore the intersection of gender, race, and the criminal justice system.
The post-screening panel will explore the criminalization of women survivors of abuse, particularly those entangled in the legal system due to self-defense or actions tied to abusive relationships. Panelists will examine systemic failures that punish victims instead of protecting them, with a focus on the disproportionate impact on women of color. The discussion will also highlight the power of the clemency process and the importance of second chances, and the need for policy reform and justice.

Film Description

Kemba tells the true story of Kemba Smith Pradia, a college student whose relationship with a drug kingpin leads her into a dangerous world she never anticipated. Though innocent of the drug crimes committed by her boyfriend, Kemba is sentenced to over 24 years in prison. The film highlights the power of community activism and legal advocacy that ultimately helped free her through clemency, emphasizing the broader issues of mass incarceration, racial injustice, and the criminalization of women.

Speakers

  • Opening Remarks: Celia Colon, CEO & Founder, G.O.D. (Giving Others Dreams)
  • Moderator: Collette Payne, Reclamation Project Director, Women's Justice Institute
  • Panelists:
    • Rachel White-Domain, Criminalized Survivors Project, Illinois Prison Project
    • Najei Webster, Community Navigator, Illinois Prison Project
    • Dyanna Winchester, Reclamation Specialist, Community Support, Women's Justice Institute

Event Date & Time

November 6, 2024, 6 pm to 9:30 pm

  • Reception: 6 pm
  • Screening: 6:30 pm
  • Panel Discussion: 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Event Location

Northwestern Pritzker School of Law

420 East Superior Street

Chicago, IL 60611

Location of Event: Rb150

Parking

Erie Ontario Parking

321 East Erie Street (Fairbanks and Erie)

  • Two lots to choose from:
    • Parking lot C & D (located on the southwest corner of N. Fairbanks Ct. and E. Erie Street).
  • We have a limited number of parking passes. If you plan to drive to the event and would like a parking pass, please send an email to marshan@illinoisprisonproject.org
  • Additional parking options can be found using parking apps such as SpotHero and ParkWhiz

Food & Beverages

  • Pizza, salad and beverages
    • Pizza: Sausage, pepperoni, veggie, cheese
    • Beverages: Soda and water



$105 raised by 5 people

$2,500

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