Say Her NAME: Cyntoia Brown
I was driving to work one morning and while switching through countless radio stations I stumbled upon a conversation about Cyntoia Brown. Now, this isn't the first time that I've heard about this story, nor is it the second. This incident actually occurred about 14 years ago and that just goes to show that the treatment women of color receive in this country from the "system" hasn't changed.
What would you do if you were sold into sex trafficking at the age of only 16 and forced to have sex with men for money? What would you do if the opportunity became available for you to defend yourself? Would you take it? Let me give you a little bit of the back story for those who aren't aware of this case. On August 7th, 2004 Cyntoia Brown gave chilling testimony of how she was solicited for sex by a man named Johnny Mitchell Allen who was 43 years old at the time. Cyntoia was then taken to Allen's house where he made numerous advances on Brown. After many failed attempts he reached under his bed. At that moment Cyntoia feared for her life, and knew that she had to do something or else she could possibly face harm. That is when it happened, she shot him.
Before I get into the trial details let me just say that people of color in America rarely get cut any slack. We speak on how much harder that we have to work as women just to get on top and ahead and this story is yet another example of the many trials we must face in every aspect of life. We are punished with excessive sentences that only serve as a purpose of diluting our race.
Moving along to her trial; Brown was tried as an ADULT for first degree murder and aggravated robbery due to the fact that she took his wallet after she shot and killed Allen. She was sentenced to serve 51 years to life. She was granted a clemency hearing earlier this year where the Tennessee Board of Parole cited a recent Supreme Court Decision that prohibited the courts from sentencing juveniles to life sentences. The board did not grant her any mercy after a split vote. On Dec. 6, the Tennessee Supreme Court concluded that Brown must serve 51 years before she is eligible for parole. Tennessee Gov Bill Haslam has the power of executive clemency to pardon Brown prior to his leaving office early 2019. After years of trials and appeals the most recent update as of today still has us anxious and on the edge of our seats.
Haslam is still in the process of reviewing Cyntoia's case and hopes to make a decision before he leaves office. “But we’re doing our best to review every aspect of that, talking to everybody involved, just like we are with several other — I wouldn’t say exactly similar cases — but somewhat similar cases.” Haslam recently stated at an event Monday night. We all can agree that this decision should be easy. It is clear that the hesitation is due to the fact that Cyntoia is a woman of color. PERIOD!
The decision rests in the hands of Gov. Bill Haslam. Cyntoia could be your mom, sister, cousin, niece, aunt, best friend or just a neighbor. I said that to say this, we MUST stick together. Just because the law states one thing, that doesn't imply that the law is always right. Until the standard is changed we shall continue to fight in her name #FreeCyntoiaBrown.
