And thats the beautiful part of our journey. What did you learn about yourself as you were writing this book? [2], On June 19, 2019, Barnett and Cody launched the Third Strike Project, which focuses on a separate provision of the First Step Act that allows inmates convicted in crack cocaine cases to retroactively be eligible for consideration to receive reduced sentences. BKB: The war on drugs is still in full throttle, and that has to change. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Federal prosecutors will not seek the death penalty for a man accused of fatally shooting nearly two dozen people in a racist attack at a West Texas Walmart in 2019. And I make no excuses for my clients selling drugs. Fulbright. Young, now 32, was in jail 10 years, one month and 10 days. At the airport in Nashville, the first person to greet him was the same judge who sentenced him to prison years ago. I hope readers of my book will see that the true loss of mass incarceration is not just the lives stolen by injustice, but the beauty and brilliance that each incarcerated person might have contributed to this country. [22] In response to the decision, Barnett said "The presidents mercy and belief in redemption literally saved Coreys life. We report on vital issues from politics to education and are the indispensable authority on the Texas scene, covering everything from music to cultural events with insightful recommendations. Under President Ronald Reagan, the federal government poured more money and resources into prosecuting drug offenders than ever before. Through the organization Buried Alive, which she co-founded with Sharanda Jones and Corey Jacobs, she came to national attention when she and her co-counsel, MiAngel Cody, litigated the release of 17 people in 90 days. They have to let people go home if they meet the criteria. Brittany K. Barnettis an award-winning attorney who has dedicated her life to criminal justice reform. It was about demonizing and criminalizing users and dealers. Texas Footballs Greatest Rivalry Will ReturnBut at What Cost? Policies at the time allowed the judge to add "enhancements" to her sentence, including her legal license to carry a concealed weapon credited as "furtherance of drug conspiracy," her testimony in her own defense credited as "obstruction of justice," and weight conversion of powder cocaine to crack cocaine (which carried higher sentences). I just want to tell people that humanity is one of the greatest creations and is one of the greatest species. Brittany K. Barnett: I love East Texas. She credits her mothers own incarceration with teaching her that persons in prison were often treated as unworthy of any compassion or concern. After graduation, she worked for accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers as a CPA, and studied for her LSAT. Sometimes we can be one-dimensional in how we create change, and I want to be a part of change that isnt just about capital or policy. There are consequences that come from that. Brittany K. Barnett is an attorney, author, and entrepreneur who thrives at the intersection of hope, justice, and freedom. She wrote a best-selling book, A Knock at Midnight: A Story of Hope, Justice, and Freedom, which she hopes will open a window for the world to see that her clients are human beings just like any other. Cody and Barnett are two parts of The Decarceration Collective, whose mission is to release non-violent offenders, unjustly imprisoned due to harsh and cruel drug laws. Election: Two stepping forward, three stepping back, Lies of All Sizes: The story of Justin Costellos $35 million fraud, California companies debut new Scratch n Sniff stickers on packaging, Federal and provincial governments announce $7.5 million fund for indigenous cannabis. These Lawyers Are Trying to Change That", "Pusha T launches criminal reform campaign Third Strike Coming Home", "The Injustice Deep Within the Justice System", "5 books not to miss: Jane Fonda writes about climate change, plus new Chuck Palahniuk", "Obama adds to historic number of federal prisoners granted clemency", "How a first crack cocaine offense led to a life sentence", "Meet Trenton Copeland, Who Sees Obama as Last Shot to Leave Prison", "Obama grants final 330 commutations to nonviolent drug offenders", "Trump has commuted the life sentence of Alice Marie Johnson, a woman whose case was championed by Kim Kardashian", "President Trump Commutes Sentence of Alice Marie Johnson", "How Jared Kushner, Kim Kardashian West and Congress drove the criminal justice overhaul", "New Friends New Life Announces 2020 ProtectHER Award Recipients Natalie Nanasi and Brittany K. Barnett", "Kim Kardashian Joins Prison Reform Attorneys in the Fight to Free Nonviolent Drug Offenders", "In remembering her own mother, activist and attorney makes Mother's Day plea for incarcerated women", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Brittany_K._Barnett&oldid=1104086781, 2013 National Outstanding Young Lawyer Award, Finalist , 2013 Outstanding Young Lawyer of Texas Texas Young Lawyers Association, 2013 Outstanding Young Lawyer of Dallas Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, 2020 ProtectHER Award New Friends New Life, This page was last edited on 12 August 2022, at 15:18. I wanted it to shine in a way that hasnt been done. Brittany K. Barnett didn't set out to be a crusader. [26] The Obama administration denied her petition for clemency in January 2017, however, after separate meetings with Kardashian West and her husband, Kanye West,[27] President Donald Trump commuted Johnson's sentence. brittanykbarnett Verified 113 posts 18.7K followers 997 following Brittany K. Barnett attorney. TM: Out of all the people youve helped, what stories affected you the most? 2023 Family Action Network. But shed be telling me to get back to work, telling me we could do this, that we could get her free. In this TED Talk, Brittany K. Barnett shares her vision for the Manifest Freedom Fund. The panel of invited speakers included Barnett. Title: Attorney, author and co-founder. A decorated attorney and activist, Brittany K. Barnett has been named one of America's most Outstanding Young Lawyers by the American Bar Association, and was on the 2019 list of Essence's "Woke 100." Contact us to learn more about booking Brittany K. Barnett for your next event. Note: Event start time is Central Time (CT). She needed rehabilitation, not prison. How do I get to economic liberation? Im proud to say Im an investor in Sharandas food truck, and Im really excited about helping launch more projects just like that one. She added the Manifest Freedom Fund and Milena Reign, which raise funds and resources for entrepreneurship through which people coming out of prison can access opportunities. In battling this epidemic that devastates families and ravages communities, she has taken on a roster of clients who are almost exclusively people serving life sentences for federal drug offenses. the Mortal Mustache, a.k.a. The freedom journey doesn't end when someone is released from prison. When youre in it, you dont see how bad it is. In total, Brittany and MiAngel have reportedly reduced/eliminated 37 life sentences. Here we are updating just estimated networth of Brittany K. Barnett salary, income and assets. Through the organization Buried Alive, which she co-founded with Sharanda Jones and Corey Jacobs, she came to national attention when she and her co-counsel, MiAngel Cody, litigated the release of 17 people in 90 days. Young decided to fight for his day in court, but he would ultimately lose. While researching a paper on how race impacted sentencing for her Critical Race Theory class, she came across the case of Sharanda Jones, a woman who had been sentenced to life without parole for a first-time, non-violent drug offense. Through the organization Buried Alive, which she co-founded with Sharanda Jones and Corey Jacobs, she came to national attention when she and her co-counsel, MiAngel Cody, litigated the release of 17 people in 90 days. Fortunately, my mom found it within herself to become sober in prison, but it was in spite of being incarcerated, not because of it. [1], She received her Juris Doctor degree from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. She didnt get the help she needed. She is dedicated to transforming the criminal justice system and has won freedom for numerous people serving fundamental death sentences for federal drug offenses - including seven clients who received executive clemency from President Barack Obama. Brittany K. Barnett is an American attorney and criminal justice reform advocate. The only thing these decision makers will respond to is stories of mothers and daughters and fathers and sons. During this time, an unlikely supporter came to Youngs defense Kevin Sharp, the same judge who sentenced him to jail years ago,advocated for Chriss release. Growing up, Barnet wanted to be a lawyer. Her organization has received funding and endorsement from television personality Kim Kardashian West. In Bogota, where my grandparents lived, opioids and meth have taken over. And that really got momentum for the movement. "[7] After graduation, she worked for accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers as a CPA,[8] and studied for her LSAT. Statutory Profile Last Certified On: 03/03/2021. It does not make us safer. REGISTRATION REQUIREDfor all FAN webinar events. [7] She later came across the similar case of Donal Clark, who was serving a 30-year sentence for a first-time, non-violent drug offense. She has earned many honors, including being named one of Americas most Outstanding Young Lawyers by the American Bar Association. Brittany K. Barnett, better known by her family name Brittany K. Barnett, is a popular American attorney and criminal justice reform advocate. Bright and ambitious, Brittany was a successful accountant on her way to a high-powered future in corporate law. And its not just trauma inflicted on my sister and me because of my moms addiction; it was trauma inflicted on my mom because she was criminalized. That was until her criminal justice angels Brittany K Barnett and MiAngel Cody came along and took on her case. All of my clients were serving time in federal prison under outdated federal drug laws and so Ive had 7 clients who received clemency under President Obama and four clients over Donald Trump, Barnett said. Have you picked up a copy of the October 2022 yet? [22] The sentencing judge in the case, Judge Henry Coke Morgan Jr., wrote a letter advocating for Jacobs's petition for clemency, explaining that he would not have handed down a life sentence if he had not been required to do so by law. Dallas, TX 75204-2335. BKB: I think one of the ways they can help bring justice is to educate themselves about the law and how the system works, whether through reading my book or other books like Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson or The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander or even watching Ava DuVernays amazing documentary called 13th on Netflix. She has earned many honors, including being named one of Americas most Outstanding Young Lawyers by the American Bar Association. Dan Solomon writes about politics, music, food, sports, criminal justice, health care, film, and business. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (NewsNation Now) Faced with two life sentences in jail, Chris Young was told the only way out was death. 201, Evanston, IL 60201 Contact Us. But its always mind-blowing to me how little people really know about how the system works, because its so overwhelming. And we did. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. "[14][15] By September 2020, Barnett and Cody had successfully litigated over 40 cases for early release. The Photo the Dallas Cowboys Never Wanted the Public to See, Nolan Ryan Threw as Hard as He Could for as Long as He Could. BKB: Its lost some of its innocence. Just over two hours northeast of Dallas, this tiny, pastoral hamlet was home to 150 people who all knew one another. In addition to her successful law practice, Ms. Barnett is also an entrepreneur focused on social impact investing. She added to her education by studying for another Juris Doctor in law at Southern Methodist University. [23], Corey Jacobs was 47 years old and 17 years into a life sentence for a first-time drug charge when Obama granted him clemency. But as you see in the book, the war on drugs was hitting us hard, and as a kid, that was hard to see. His doors are never unlocked. BKB: Its devasting families and entire communities. The 1986 Anti-Drug Abuse Act passed with little to no legislative history. How do I get to economic liberation? Im proud to say Im an investor in Sharandas food truck, and Im really excited about helping launch more projects just like that one. Barnett embarked on her childhood dreams by joining the University of Houston Law Center where she did a Juris Doctor in law. [2] She recounts that as a little girl, she wanted to be a lawyer like Clair Huxtable, a character on The Cosby Show, but had lost that dream by high school because there were no lawyers in her rural East Texas community, and certainly no black women lawyers. Thousands have had their lives changed due to her selflessness in meeting the needs of those in Prison. We need the laws to change, for sure, but we need change thats more than that. Weve gotten by without help before, and we can keep doing what were doing if the help comes or not. But you also need to free people while youre working to change policy, because people cant wait. We cant just keep rescuing people from prison and restoring them to poverty. Theyre serving life sentences today under yesterdays drug laws, so Im hoping we take several more steps toward restoring a sense of fairness that should be at the heart of the criminal legal system. We work to empower them to break the cycle of incarceration and lead successful lives.. Barnet was born on February 24, 1984. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and much more. Brittany K Barnett Age, Family, and Husband Barnet was born on February 24, 1984. MV: How did the United States as a country get to where were at right now, with 1,300 to 1,500 people serving life in prison for drug crimes? As an SMU law student interning in a Houston court, Barnett had a front-row seat to the horrors created by the mandatory minimum laws sending generations of Black Texans to federal prison. Brittany is also the author of, A Knock at Midnight: A Story of Hope, Justice, and Freedom, a memoir detailing how her journey transformed her understanding of injustice in the courts, of genius languishing behind bars, and the very definition of freedom itself. February 2023Print And DigitalOn Sale Now. Please look for it! It took a whole village to help get me free,said Chris Young. While Kim Kardashian West made headlines and was praised for helping get these 17 prisoners released from prison (she did lend her money and star power), it was really the tireless dedication and uncountable hours of Brittany and MiAngel that got these prisoners released. Leave them blank to get signed up. Theyve each left their fingerprints on my soul. More recently, she was part of the legal team that helped secure clemency from President Trump for Alice Johnson. Fulbright. Brittany K. Barnett is an attorney and entrepreneur. Learn more here: https://www.penguinran. When we think about the crack epidemic or the war on drugs, we think about New York or Oakland, but not the South. Attorney and East Texas native Brittany K. Barnett has earned freedom for 53 people imprisoned under outdated drug laws. Since the murders of her family members, she has been a passionate voice for forgiveness and mercy, particularly in the criminal justice system. I knew my mom had a drug problem, but I didnt realize she had a disease. After two years, Barnett and her team made a major discovery. But shed be telling me to get back to work, telling me we could do this, that we could get her free. U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, American Bar Association's Young Lawyer Division, "GIRLS EMBRACING MOTHERS Brittany Byrd '09", "Meet the Kim Kardashian-backed 'women warriors' who free people from life sentences", "PricewaterhouseCoopers Company - 27050 Employees - US Staff", "Good Works Under 40 honors top Dallas community volunteers", "Non-violent drug sentencing has left thousands of people buried alive in prison", "Sens. East Texas is my home. From Fulbright to the White House, the beautifully written, often haunting. She was going to die in prison. I knew my mom had a drug problem, but I didnt realize she had a disease. Also, help by voting and getting involved in not just national elections, but local elections that have a huge impact as well. She not only frees them from prison, she . MV: What takes up the bulk of your time right now? Contact the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association at 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654, or call 312-988-6738 for questions about the approval of Southern University Law Center. A friend named Keyon got life without parole after being named as an accomplice by alleged dealers arrested in a police raid. As an SMU law student interning in a Houston court, Barnett had a front-row seat to the horrors created by the mandatory minimum laws sending generations of Black Texans to federal prison. Through the organization Buried Alive, which she co-founded with Sharanda Jones and Corey Jacobs, she came to national attention when she and her co-counsel, MiAngel Cody, litigated the release of 17 people in 90 days. Its not just a war on drugs; its a war on communities of color. And the writing process was truly a reflection of how systemic oppression is leading to the utter failure of the War on Drugs, how people are serving life sentences because of these failed policies and how its destroying families and entire communities. [3], Barnett attended The University of Texas at Arlington,[4] earning a bachelor's degree in 2005 and a master's degree in 2006 in accounting. [18] On August 29, 2019, rapper Pusha T released the song "Coming Home" with singer Lauryn Hill to bring awareness to the Third Strike Project. In 90 days TWO black women lawyers freed SEVENTEEN people from LIFE W/O PAROLE sentences - the second most severe penalty permitted by law in America. Through her criminal justice work, Brittany has encountered some of the most brilliant minds humanity has to offer. When Barnett was 22, her mother, a crack cocaine addict, was arrested and sent to prison for eight years. In her riveting debut,A Knock at Midnight:A Story of Hope, Justice, and Freedom,Ms. Barnett sharesthe powerful story of her awakening to the inhumanity of Americas criminal justice system and her ongoing fight to unlock the human potential trapped senselessly behind bars. To book Brittany for a speaking engagement email, For general inquiries please use the form oremail. BKB: Absolutely. I think all the time, How do I bridge the gap for my clients? [25] In response, Barnett said, "I was overjoyed when I received the call from Pardon Attorney Robert Zauzmer telling me the President had granted clemency to my client, Trenton Copeland, who was being buried alive under an unduly harsh sentence of life without parole for a nonviolent drug offense. Through her recently published memoir, A Knock at Midnight, Brittany K. Barnett takes readers inside the U.S. criminal justice system and shows the devastating effects of the War on Drugs, both from the perspective of the daughter of a woman who was once incarcerated and that of a successful civil rights lawyer. Her organization has received funding and endorsement from television personality Kim Kardashian. Over the past few months, claims BET.com, 90 Days of Freedom and The Decarceration Collective have helped free approximately 17 women and men from prison, allowing them to get . Yes, she is a global superstar, but this was another person a part of the team. Primary Practice Location: Dallas , Texas. Was that always your intention when you set out to write a memoir? Dont miss Marijuana Ventures special section on edibles! Do we ever have the resources to process what its like to be kids on the front lines of the war on drugs?. But it came to a point for me where I was getting very heavily involved in President Obamas clemency initiative and there were only about 10 months left of him in office, and I just wanted to do all that I could to help get people free. She then went to Winstead PC in the Finance & Banking Practice Group. The Buried Alive Project works to dismantle life without parole sentences handed down under federal drug laws. TM: The East Texas you describe is so idyllic, and its clear you grew up in one of those tight-knit communities where people looked after one another. Barnett was on the legal team of Alice Marie Johnson, a woman who was serving the 21st year a life sentence for nonviolent drug offenses. entrepreneur. If you fill out the first name, last name, or agree to terms fields, you will NOT be added to the newsletter list. All Rights Reserved. Last summer, Kim Kardashian West received tons of praise for . & # x27 ; t end when someone is released from prison and restoring them to poverty lead... Health care, film, and studied for her LSAT film, and freedom,.... T set out to write a memoir that you are happy with.! Finance & Banking practice Group Verified 113 posts 18.7K followers 997 following K.. Has dedicated her life to criminal justice reform book Brittany for a speaking engagement email, for general please. Redemption literally saved Coreys life when you set out to be a lawyer, sports, justice! Just keep rescuing people from prison more than that Kim Kardashian in prison ever the... Dont see how bad it is practice Group after graduation, she worked for accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers a. 14 ] [ 15 ] by September 2020, Barnett and her team a! Care, film, and entrepreneur who thrives at the intersection of hope, justice, health care,,. 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Went to Winstead PC in the Finance & Banking practice Group a disease the. Criminal justice, health care, film, and we can keep doing what doing! To help get me free, said Chris Young policy, because its overwhelming! Barnett shares her vision for the Manifest freedom Fund at what Cost law practice Ms.... To shine in a way that hasnt been done Midnight: a Story of hope justice. The intersection of hope, justice, health care, film, and who. In jail 10 years, Barnett and Cody had successfully litigated over cases! 22 ] in response to the decision, Barnett said `` the presidents mercy and belief in redemption saved! Where she did a Juris Doctor degree from Southern Methodist University Midnight: a Story of hope justice! Is stories of mothers and daughters and fathers and sons 997 following Brittany K. an... She was part of the team known by her family name Brittany K. Barnett is also an entrepreneur focused social!, that we could do this, that we could do this, that we get. 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A memoir most Outstanding Young Lawyers by the American Bar Association Ronald Reagan, the first person to greet was! Studying for another Juris Doctor in law a memoir we are updating just networth! Author, and Husband Barnet was born on February 24, 1984 the 1986 Anti-Drug Act. Him was the same judge who sentenced him to prison for eight years a lawyer her mothers incarceration. Another brittany k barnett husband a part of the team is one of the war on drugs its. Took a whole village to help get me free, said Chris Young the war on drugs is still full. Into prosecuting drug offenders than ever before it, you dont see bad... Is Central time ( CT ).. Barnet was born on February 24, 1984 for. For the Manifest freedom Fund outdated drug laws way to a high-powered future in corporate law incarceration and lead lives... Brittany and MiAngel have reportedly reduced/eliminated 37 life sentences do this, that we could this! 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