5 Wins From Our KEMBA Impact Campaign

In 2024, KEMBA—the BET Original and MPI Original film chronicling Kemba Smith Pradia’s journey became a movement for justice and supported the years-long coalition effort to #FreeMichelleWest. We are proud to have led the film’s impact campaign, and thanks to our community, partners, and reform advocates across the country, we achieved real, measurable impact. These are just a few of the highlights.

121 Impact Screening Events Nationwide

From university auditoriums to community centers and professional conferences, over 121 impact screenings and appearances helped bring KEMBA to new communities and audiences.

Reaching More Than 2,200 People Behind Bars

We brought the film to 20 prisons and jails to create an opportunity for incarcerated folks to engage directly with its powerful storytelling. Approximately 2,200 people experienced the film inside facilities—bringing Kemba’s message of resilience and advocacy to those most impacted by the system. Kemba herself attended many of these screenings.  

More than 90% of Surveyed Viewers Are Ready to Support 

Our audiences indicated that after watching KEMBA, they were ready to support laws and policies that reduce sentencing for drug-related charges. One viewer shared: “I plan to share Kemba’s story with everyone who will listen and support legislation to eliminate mandatory minimum sentences.”

12,500 Total Attendees at Screenings & Events

A strength of the campaign was that KEMBA screenings were not just opportunities for thousands of people to watch the film; they were opportunities for thousands of people to engage with the film, discuss it, reflect on what justice means to them and their communities, and learn how to be part of the change. 

Michelle West Granted Clemency

Building on KEMBA's momentum, the campaign's call for advocacy helped shine a national spotlight on Michelle West's case, amplifying the #FreeMichelleWest efforts. President Biden granted her clemency in January 2025 after more than 30 years in prison. Today, Michelle is finally home.

There is so much more to celebrate from this campaign. Read the full report to understand the breadth and depth of KEMBA’s impact.