Young Scholars to hear Kemba Smith tell her story
Kemba Smith, whose inspirational story has been featured nationally, will speak to the Ohio State University Young Scholars at the Samuel DuBois Cook Summer Academy on Tuesday (7/19). She will discuss the paths she took, the choices she made, consequences that followed, and how her life turned around. Smith will speak at 7 p.m. in 100 McPherson Lab, 140 W. 18th Avenue. The presentation is free and open to the public but space is limited.
Smith served more than six years of a 24 ½ year sentence in federal prison for a non-violent drug offense until she was pardoned by President Clinton in December 2000. Her case sparked a crusade against mandatory sentences for first time non-violent drug offenders. Two years after her release, she graduated from Virginia Union University. Her story has been featured on "Court TV," "Nightline," and "The CBS Early Show," and in publications including The Washington Post, The New York Times, Glamour, People, and Essence magazines.
As an advocate/public speaker, Smith has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work in educating the public about the social, economic and political consequences of mandatory drug sentencing laws. She speaks to students in to encourage them to recognize that there are consequences to their life choices.
Ohio State's Office of Minority Affairs established the Young Scholars Program (YSP) in 1988 as a statewide model to increase the number of low-income students, including African-American, Latino/Hispanic, American Indian, and Appalachian students in their pursuit of a college degree. Through partnerships with Ohio State and the nine largest urban school districts and communities in Ohio, YSP nurtures the potential of its students through academic, personal, and career development initiatives.
WHAT:Kemba Smith will speak to Young Scholars
WHEN:7 p.m. on Tuesday (7/19)
WHERE:100 McPherson Lab, 140 W. 18th Avenue
WHY:The Summer Academy is part of the Young Scholars Program, Ohio State's initiative to increase the number of urban, low-income students who attend college
