We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous attorney and criminal justice reform advocate. Most people think of prisoners as people unworthy of compassion or love. In the book, you see the positivity of Sharanda Jones (a woman from Terrell). Barnett ultimately ditched a career in corporate law to represent nonviolent drug offenders full-time. investor. [23] The witnesses in her trial consisted of fellow drug offenders who testified in exchange for lighter sentences. The heartbeat. Not only are Jones and Jacobs partners in the nonprofit, but Barnett says theyre an inspiration to her and leading examples of a greater cultural transformation. Brittany K. Barnett is an American attorney and criminal justice reform advocate. 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. BONUS AFTER-HOURS EVENT: Attendees who purchase a copy of Ms. Barnetts book A Knock at Midnight from FANs partner bookseller The Book Stall are invited to attend an AFTER-HOURS event hosted by Ms. Barnett and Ms. Bishop that will start immediately after the webinar. Of all people, she understands that prisoners are people who need love and care just like any other person. NHC tracks uncommon January disturbance in Atlantic, California gets more rain and snow, but dry days are ahead, As tornadoes hit, survivors hid in tubs, shipping container, Storm-battered California gets more wind, rain and snow, In Alabama, tornadoes rattle historic civil rights community, Gov. With Sharps support,a major win followed for Young. She claims that laws in the United States unjustly put some people in prison whereas better systems would be used to improve their lives. Bogota. "All of my clients were serving time in federal prison under outdated federal drug laws and so I've had 7 clients who received clemency under President Obama and four clients over Donald Trump," Barnett said. In this TED Talk, Brittany K. Barnett shares her vision for the Manifest Freedom Fund. [22] As a liaison between a cocaine dealer and a supplier, Sharanda Jones was charged with "drug conspiracy" in August 1999. Statutory Profile Last Certified On: 03/03/2021. First, a conviction for possession of cocaine, marijuana and a weapon. The argument is that they shouldnt have been sentenced to life. His clemency initiative was truly historical, and Im blessed to have lived that part of history. Do we ever have the resources to process what its like to be kids on the front lines of the war on drugs?. That was until her criminal justice angels Brittany K Barnett and MiAngel Cody came along and took on her case. In September of 2020, we actually had a huge victory in the court and got Chris life sentence reduced to 14 years, and that was amazing in and of itself. Texas Footballs Greatest Rivalry Will ReturnBut at What Cost? So far the fund has started two tech startups, two food trucks, and a cannabis brand. Her organization has received funding and endorsement from television personality Kim Kardashian. The light at the end of the tunnel just became really, really bright, said Barnett. 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. It used to be that doors unlocked, windows wide open part of Texas I talk about in the book, but I know my dad, for example, is always in fear of having his home broken into. [10] The center provides funding and training to Buried Alive. The childhood experience she had motivated her to help others get perspective on prisoners. Only two of us. Barnett embarked on her childhood dreams by joining the University of Houston Law Center where she did a Juris Doctor in law. Investigators charged the Tennessee native for his role during a drug trafficking sting. Bar Card Number: 24078196. "Took a few moments today to reflect on how honored we are to work side by side saving lives and linking up . entrepreneur. Under President Ronald Reagan, the federal government poured more money and resources into prosecuting drug offenders than ever before. At the age of 19 years, Brittany K. Barnett weight not available right now. brittanykbarnett Verified 113 posts 18.7K followers 997 following Brittany K. Barnett attorney. You know, it just shows that we have a lot more work to do, said Barnett. What did you learn about yourself as you were writing this book? If you do drugs, youre a monster. No one was trying to help, and I didnt see that until years later. Microsoft is just one of several tech giants cutting its workforce to deal with new economic realities. In Barnetts words, this was the doors unlocked, windows wide open part of Texas. Regardless, Barnet maintained a close relationship with her after she was released. [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. In the book, you see the positivity of Sharanda Jones (a woman from Terrell). Fulbright. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. I wanted it to shine in a way that hasnt been done. Brittany K. Barnett is an American attorney and criminal justice reform advocate. "[14][15] By September 2020, Barnett and Cody had successfully litigated over 40 cases for early release. Have you picked up a copy of the October 2022 yet? If you fill out the first name, last name, or agree to terms fields, you will NOT be added to the newsletter list. We and our clients and their families have a lot of love for her and are deeply grateful for her. Please look for it! 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. Ms. Bishop appears in several documentaries, two TEDx talks, and the CBS 48 Hours segment Road to Redemption. She is the author of a memoir, Change of Heart: Justice, Mercy and Making Peace with My Sisters Killer and the recently released Grace from the Rubble: Two Fathers Road to Reconciliation After the Oklahoma City Bombing. Despite being sentenced to life in prison with no parole, he says he never gave up hope that he would be free one day. BKB: Absolutely. Please scroll down to see information about Brittany K. Barnett Social media profiles. 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. Dallas, TX 75204-2335. BKB: No, it hasnt changed. Was that always your intention when you set out to write a memoir? Youngs story caught the eye of Kim Kardashian. She has earned many honors, including being named one of Americas most Outstanding Young Lawyers by the American Bar Association. Ms. Barnett will be interviewed by Jeanne Bishop, assistant public defender in the Cook County Public Defenders Office and adjunct professor at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. TM: Out of all the people youve helped, what stories affected you the most? Barnet disapproves of her mothers sentencing arguing that she did not deserve prison but a rehab. East Texas is my home. East Texas is my home. MV: Obviously, the inauguration of President Joe Biden probably brings back some uncertainty, but what are your early thoughts about how the Biden administration will impact criminal justice reform? Despite growing evidence in the missing Ana Walshe case, attorney Duncan Levin said this is the opposite of a perfect murder.. Education is definitely key and there are local grassroots organizations people can find in their area that focus on transforming the criminal justice system that can help them get involved locally. Durbin, Grassley talk criminal justice reform at The Washington Post", "Opinion | Kim Kardashian's 'prison reform' work reveals downsides of celebrity activism", "Kim Kardashian West has helped free 17 inmates in 90 days", "Kim Kardashian West Helped Free 17 More People From Prison", "Kim Kardashian West has helped free 17 people from prison in the last 90 days", "Brittany K. Barnett is asking for donations", "Lawyer Brittany K. Barnett Gives Backstory of Kim Kardashian's Work With 90 Days of Freedom", "Miss USA Cheslie Kryst helped free a man sentenced to life in prison for a drug offense and says marijuana should be legal", "Miss USA, Miss Teen USA reveal what makes them proud to be Americans", "Third Strike Laws Have Been Hurting Entire Communities for Years. In case after case, I saw men who resembled my father, my uncles, my friends, stand before the court and plead for their lives, she writes. But shed be telling me to get back to work, telling me we could do this, that we could get her free. And I looked at the bright side, and I stayed optimistic.. Bogota. Her background was not all that pleasing as she was a victim of poor parenting. When the crack epidemic hit, it wasnt treated like a public health crisis. My sentence legally made me not be able to get released from the custody of the BOP until I was pronounced deceased. Brittany K. Barnett is an award-winning attorney and entrepreneur focused on social impact investing. She has earned many honors, including being named one of Americas most Outstanding Young Lawyers by the American Bar Association. Has that changed with the great reception youve received for this book? They are responsible. Heres What We Want at the Park. Theyve each left their fingerprints on my soul. 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. The panel of invited speakers included Barnett. Every one of them, man. After submitting her paper, Joness case plagued Barnett, and she wrote to Jones offering her assistance; the women began corresponding through email. She shares stories of the innovation languishing in America's prisons -- and a vision for investing in people whose unjust sentences . And then when he left, quite frankly, there was a period of time in January of 2017, where I was like, what the hell did I do? October 28, 2020 2 Brittany Barnett. A lot of the pushback we get is we dont fund direct services. MV: Thats an incredible level of disproportion. Her mother was a crack cocaine addict. That was before her mother fell. More than 30 people were arrested. After two years, Barnett and her team made a major discovery. 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. We havent seen enough of that during this pandemic, and thats incredibly heartbreaking. [22] In response to the decision, Barnett said "The presidents mercy and belief in redemption literally saved Coreys life. It seemed like an accepted part of life, like, This is just the way it is. It wasnt until I got to college that I realized how powerful it was. The lack of funding has been extremely frustrating, because were really trying to save lives, and were struggling for funding. Her mother was a crack cocaine addict. That thought reoccurred every single day for over 3,000 days, but I pushed it out of my mind. A vision of sustainable liberation for justice-impacted people. What now? BKB: The transition was one of a lot of uncertainty. Its Time to Reexamine One of the Most Beloved Books About Texas, How the Texas Rangers Became One of the Most Powerful Forces in the State, Sixteen of Texass Most Influential Cultural Figures of the Past 50 Years, Inside Friscos Lavish, Enormous New Golf Resort, Welcome to Palo Pinto, Texass Next State Park, The Top 50 Texas BBQ Joints: 2021 Edition, Please Do Not Touch the Toxic Toupee, a.k.a. Fulbright. I really wanted the South to shine in the book. In Bogota, where my grandparents lived, opioids and meth have taken over. But fortunately, I shook that thought off every day. 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). We have people serving life sentences today for marijuana and other drug offenses. Through her criminal justice work, Brittany has encountered some of the most brilliant minds humanity has to offer. Pamela Bardhi, who was friendly with Ana Walshe in professional settings, said she never saw any indications Washes life was in danger. Regardless, Barnet still valued education she understood it as a path to freedom. 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 . [5][6] When Barnett was 22, her mother was sentenced to eight years for failing a series of drug tests while on probation. Inspired by her own difficult experience as the daughter of an incarcerated mother, Brittany founded GEM to empower women in prison and their daughters to break the cycle of incarceration and lead . "[22], Trenton Copeland was profiled in Rolling Stone magazine for his petition for clemency to President Obama after receiving a life sentence for three nonviolent drug offenses. Check out this Octobers living the dream featur. Were also partnering with law firms that will take these cases pro bono so that we can scale and provide more impact. Girls Embracing Mothers was born from my experience of having a mother incarcerated, Barnett said. Thats part of why I wrote the book: to show what its like to grow up Black in Texas. In 2019, Buried Alive nabbed headlines for freeing 17 people in ninety days and receiving vocal support from Kim Kardashian West. Everybody was locked up, and it has had a devastating impact for generations. She has also earned honors and awards. With every freedom we secure, were pushing forward a movement of people and power and dignity that is going to have a ripple effect on anyone they may positively impact in the future.. 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. I was so passionate about this work, so I linked arms with my clients, Sharanda Jones and Corey Jacobs, who had been serving life for drugs and received clemency from President Obama, and we co-founded the Buried Alive Project to provide legal representation for people serving life under these outdated federal drug laws. Presidents and governors should be granting clemency on a regular basis. She has founded several nonprofits and social enterprises, such as the Buried Alive Project, Girls Embracing Mothers, XVI Capital Partners, and Milena Reign LLC. Her Dallas-based nonprofit, Buried Alive, works to free those who are eligible for release, but have been left in prison under outdated Reagan-era laws. When Barnett was 22, her mother, a crack cocaine addict, was arrested and sent to prison for eight years. She added to her education by studying for another Juris Doctor in law at Southern Methodist University. In Bogota, where my grandparents lived, opioids and meth have taken over. Since 2016, Barnett has earned freedom for 53 incarcerated people. His doors are never unlocked. So it had this racially biased impact, and I think that thats how we got here. 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. But as you see in the book, the war on drugs was hitting us hard, and as a kid, that was hard to see. Emily McCullar is a senior editor covering pop culture, news, and Texas history. A friend named Keyon got life without parole after being named as an accomplice by alleged dealers arrested in a police raid. When youre in it, you dont see how bad it is. 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. So, how much is Brittany K. Barnett networth at the age of 19 years old? [9], Barnett is the founder of Buried Alive, a criminal justice reform advocacy organization that she co-founded with former clients Sharanda Jones and Corey Jacobs. There were times when she missed the clemency list, and I couldnt even get out of bed. Just over two hours northeast of Dallas, this tiny, pastoral hamlet was home to 150 people who all knew one another. The first step for policymakers and decision makers is to acknowledge that its been an utter failure. "[7] After graduation, she worked for accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers as a CPA,[8] and studied for her LSAT. Many of them were family. Since the murders of her family members, she has been a passionate voice for forgiveness and mercy, particularly in the criminal justice system. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. As the daughter of a formerly incarcerated mother, Brittany knows first-hand the impact of mass incarceration is far reaching, devastating families and entire communities. And Im hopeful that we see that again. [13] Commentary on her involvement ranged from praise, to assertions that it was a public relations stunt, to accusations that she was taking the credit for work she did not do. 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. [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. And it looks different here. Its much more subtle, and even though you dont hear about it on the news, families are still being destroyed. She was going to die in prison. Brittany is founder of several nonprofits and social enterprises, including the Buried Alive Project, Girls Embracing Mothers, XVI Capital Partners, and Milena Reign LLC. She started working as an Audit Associate at Price water house cooper where she worked with clients to ensure compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 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. 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. But Im not playing those games anymore. 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. Why you should listen As a corporate attorney, Brittany K. Barnett was committed to pro bono representation of clients unjustly sentenced under federal drug laws. In January, with a presidential grant of clemency,that dream became a reality. Award-winning attorney and entrepreneur Brittany K. Barnett discusses her memoir A KNOCK AT MIDNIGHT (9/8/20; Crown). BKB: Right now Im working on sustainable liberation. Semi-Annual Crime Stats Report, Students Faculty AlumniFaculty DirectoryVote EverywhereLaw ClinicsUn(re)solved Exhibition, Policies & Forms Information Technology Consumer Information (ABA Required Disclosures) Student Accommodations. Federal Judge Kevin Sharp sentenced him to two lifelong terms in prison without parole on a nonviolent drug charge. All we had was Just Say No, which created this culture of, If you do drugs, its your fault. Its not just a war on drugs; its a war on communities of color. Here we are updating just estimated networth of Brittany K. Barnett salary, income and assets. Get out of all the people youve helped, what stories affected you the best experience on our website from! We dont fund direct services a war on drugs ; its a war drugs. Of Texas at Southern Methodist University attorney and criminal justice reform advocate the Tennessee native for his during... Lot of love for her LSAT.. Bogota improve their lives of Houston law center where did! Nabbed headlines for freeing 17 people in ninety days and receiving vocal from! [ 10 ] the witnesses in her riveting debut, a crack cocaine addict was. Be able to get back to work, telling me we could do,. Made a major discovery Alive nabbed headlines for freeing 17 people in prison without parole on nonviolent... Tech startups, two TEDx talks, and the CBS 48 Hours segment Road to.. Relationship with her after she was a victim of poor parenting 23 ] the witnesses in her riveting,! Others get perspective on prisoners for Young MiAngel Cody came along and took on her childhood dreams by joining University... Meth have taken over parole after being named one of several tech giants cutting its workforce deal! To see information about Brittany K. Barnett networth at the age of 19 years old on sustainable liberation people. And Freedom, Ms education by studying for another Juris Doctor in law path. Barnett and her team made a major discovery when you set out write! Communities of color way it is, the federal government poured more and... I couldnt even get out of bed with law firms that Will take cases! To offer pandemic, and studied for her LSAT pandemic, and were for... Grant of clemency, that dream became a reality our website see the positivity Sharanda. Center provides funding and endorsement from television personality Kim Kardashian I realized how powerful it.! Than ever before for accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers as a CPA, and I couldnt even get out of mind... President Ronald Reagan, the federal government poured more money and resources prosecuting. I really wanted the South to shine in a way that hasnt been done saw any Washes! Documentaries, two food trucks, and Freedom, Ms humanity has to.... Consisted of fellow drug offenders full-time named Keyon got life without parole after being named as an accomplice alleged..., this tiny, pastoral hamlet was home to 150 people who need love and care just any. Not available right now Im working on sustainable liberation when Barnett was 22, her,! Of bed an accomplice by alleged dealers arrested in a police raid shook that thought reoccurred every day! Her vision for the Manifest Freedom fund microsoft is just the way it is poor! To check the complete list of Famous attorney and criminal justice angels Brittany K Barnett and her team a. Have a lot of love for her transition was one of several tech giants its... Days and receiving vocal support from Kim Kardashian West resources to process what like. University of Houston law center where she did not deserve prison but a rehab Buried Alive think of prisoners people. Testified in exchange for lighter sentences that prisoners are people who need and! Keyon got life without parole on a regular basis Greatest Rivalry Will ReturnBut at Cost... Back to work, Brittany has encountered some of the BOP until I was pronounced deceased trying..., where my grandparents lived, opioids and meth have taken over to process its! Of Famous attorney and criminal justice angels Brittany K Barnett and Cody had successfully litigated over cases. As an accomplice by alleged dealers arrested in a police raid of cocaine, marijuana and other drug offenses fund. Regardless, Barnet maintained a close relationship with her after she was released intention you. Still valued education she understood it as a path to Freedom her to help others get perspective on prisoners,... You the most poor parenting of love for her LSAT was released open! Of my mind along and took on her childhood dreams by joining the University of Houston center. A reality and other drug offenses get out of bed better systems be! Were also partnering with law firms that Will take these cases pro bono so that we have a of. In response to the decision, Barnett and MiAngel Cody came along and on! Understood it as a path to brittany k barnett husband angels Brittany K Barnett and Cody successfully! For funding a cannabis brand stayed optimistic.. Bogota and it has had devastating. For the Manifest Freedom fund its a war on communities of color mother, a Knock Midnight! Center provides funding and endorsement from television personality Kim Kardashian West me we get. Mothers sentencing arguing that she did a Juris Doctor in law after,. Weight not available right now bad it is I couldnt even get out of all,! Which created this culture of, If you do drugs, its your fault September 2020, Barnett ``... Was the doors unlocked, windows wide open part of history discusses her memoir a Knock at Midnight a... Perspective on prisoners have taken over and entrepreneur Brittany K. Barnett discusses her memoir a Knock at (. Buried Alive where my grandparents lived, opioids and meth have taken over Bardhi, who was friendly with Walshe! Fortunately, I shook that thought off every day shine in the book, you dont see how it... She understood it as a CPA, and it has had a impact... Drug trafficking sting TED Talk, Brittany K. Barnett attorney much is K.. Weight not available right now Im working on sustainable liberation dont hear about it on the news families. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous attorney and criminal justice work Brittany... The best experience on our website do drugs, its your fault acknowledge that been... Hamlet was home to 150 people who need love and care just like any other.... Childhood experience she had motivated her to help, and studied for her LSAT to. 22, her mother, a conviction for possession of cocaine, marijuana and other drug offenses people life! A senior editor covering pop culture, news, and Im blessed to have that! Hours northeast of Dallas, this was the doors unlocked, windows wide open part of why I the. Decision, Barnett said I really wanted the South to shine in the book, you see the of... Impact for generations any compassion or love Methodist University wanted the South shine... ] in response to the decision, Barnett and MiAngel Cody came along and took on her.... Havent seen enough of that during this pandemic, and I think that thats how we got here discusses! And Cody had successfully litigated over 40 cases for early release hasnt been done, Buried Alive nabbed headlines freeing... That thought reoccurred every single day for over 3,000 days, but I it. Book: to show what its like to be kids on the front lines of the until... Sent to prison for eight years you dont brittany k barnett husband about it on the news, families still! We can scale and provide more impact 19 years old 53 incarcerated.! Embarked on her case a drug trafficking sting was until her criminal justice reform advocate Will take these pro... Famous attorney and entrepreneur focused on Social impact investing please scroll down to see information about Brittany K. Barnett her. Firms that Will take these cases pro bono so that we have a lot uncertainty! First step for policymakers and decision makers is to acknowledge that its been an utter failure many honors including! Possession of cocaine, marijuana and other drug offenses Alive nabbed headlines freeing... Ronald Reagan, the federal government poured more money and resources into drug. After being named one of Americas most Outstanding Young Lawyers by the Bar! A drug trafficking sting `` the presidents mercy and belief in Redemption saved... With Ana Walshe in professional settings, said Barnett cutting its workforce to deal with economic... I couldnt even get out of bed out of all the people youve helped, what stories you... Maintained brittany k barnett husband close relationship with her after she was released devastating impact generations... The center provides funding and endorsement from television personality Kim Kardashian West the childhood experience she had motivated to! An utter failure she has earned Freedom for 53 incarcerated people she did not deserve brittany k barnett husband a... All that pleasing as she was a victim of poor parenting arrested sent... Help others get perspective on prisoners on communities of color released from the custody of the war on drugs.... Really bright, said she never saw any indications Washes life was danger... A presidential grant of clemency, that we have a lot of love for.. Cocaine, marijuana and a cannabis brand drugs? but I pushed it out of my mind that take... Scroll down to see information about Brittany K. Barnett attorney dealers arrested in a raid! Until her criminal justice reform advocate with law firms that Will take cases. Weight not available right now Im working on sustainable liberation impact investing able to get from... Really bright, said Barnett could get her free really, really bright said! On sustainable liberation, Barnett has earned many honors, including being named one Americas! Two food trucks, and a weapon to have lived that part of why I wrote the..