0. Brittany K. Barnett didn't set out to be a crusader. MV: Thats an incredible level of disproportion. Despite growing evidence in the missing Ana Walshe case, attorney Duncan Levin said this is the opposite of a perfect murder.. 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. 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. She has founded several nonprofits and social enterprises, such as the Buried Alive Project, Girls Embracing Mothers, XVI Capital Partners, and Milena Reign LLC. February 2023Print And DigitalOn Sale Now. Marijuana Venture 4000 Airport Way S. Seattle, WA 98108, @2020 - All Right Reserved. Her organization has received funding and endorsement from television personality Kim Kardashian West. After her masters, she became an associate attorney at Winstead PC, focusing on corporate finance. BKB: The culprit was the 1986 Anti-Drug Abuse Act that implemented this 100-to-1 sentencing ratio between crack and powder cocaine that punished crack much more severely and implemented mandatory minimums. 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. 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? Marijuana Venture is the leading B2B monthly publication for the cannabis industry. Girls Embracing Mothers was born from my experience of having a mother incarcerated, Barnett said. She claims that laws in the United States unjustly put some people in prison whereas better systems would be used to improve their lives. 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. This was bigger than Kim Kardashian. Moved by Sharanda's plight, Brittany set to work to gain her freedom. BKB: Every one of them, man. Cyndi Brown Before she specialized in getting people out of prison, Brittany K. Barnett was a young girl living in a wooden house in Fulbright, Texas.. It wasnt the stereotype you hear about with gang wars and rioting. Brittany K. Barnett, better known by her family name Brittany K. Barnett, is a popular American attorney and criminal justice reform advocate. Her background was not all that pleasing as she was a victim of poor parenting. also know about her Social media accounts i.e. 2023 Family Action Network. In 2017, Sharp stepped down from his life-appointed position toreturnto work for criminal justice reformas a civil rights attorney. 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. While in law school, Barnett completed internships with the Honorable Nancy F. Atlas in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and with the Honorable Rene H. Toliver in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Ms. Barnett will be interviewed by Jeanne Bishop. But as you see in the book, the war on drugs was hitting us hard, and as a kid, that was hard to see. She received her Juris Doctor degree from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. Its much more subtle, and even though you dont hear about it on the news, families are still being destroyed. Do we ever have the resources to process what its like to be kids on the front lines of the war on drugs?. Designed and Developed by, The Marijuana Venture Interview: Brittany K. Barnett, Marijuana Venture will explore the rapidly growing, Despite its unique characteristics and dedicated a, Energy efficiency could be the difference between, Prior to becoming the president and chief operatio, We look forward to seeing everyone @interchange_mv, You can have your cake and eat it too. If you do drugs, youre a monster. No one was trying to help, and I didnt see that until years later. With Young now out of prison, he plans to work closely with Barnett and former judge Sharp to help others they say are buried alive.. 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. While Kim Kardashian West has been getting credit for her "efforts" in prison reform, these are the ladies actually putting in the work. She then went to Winstead PC in the Finance & Banking Practice Group. Brownsvilles New Independent Bookstore Is an Oasis in the Desert, The Lone Bookstore in a Town With No Library. [9] She is also a board member of the ORIX Foundation. Barnett is also in the process of launching a venture capital fund to ensure formerly incarcerated people have access to capital and resources so they can have what she calls "life after life." Not only are Jones and Jacobs partners in the nonprofit, but Barnett says they're an inspiration to her and leading examples of a greater cultural transformation. In 2019, Buried Alive nabbed headlines for freeing 17 people in ninety days and receiving vocal support from Kim Kardashian West. BKB: I would say probably half my time is spent with Buried Alive, working on fundraising to build capacity and hire a couple more lawyers. Marijuana Venture: What was the process like for you writing A Knock at Midnight? Since the murders of her family members, she has been a passionate voice for forgiveness and mercy, particularly in the criminal justice system. Thats what we need more in this world, more love, more compassion, said Young. She has earned many honors, including being named one of Americas most Outstanding Young Lawyers by the American Bar Association. On Jan. 20, 2021, he walked out a free man. #AKnockAtMidnight: A Story of Hope, Justice & Freedom @buriedaliveproject @girlsembracingmothers #ManifestFreedom linktr.ee/brittanykbarnett Posts Reels Videos Tagged Show More Posts from brittanykbarnett BKB: Its lost some of its innocence. BKB: I came to terms with trauma. Please scroll down to see information about Brittany K. Barnett Social media profiles. [17], Barnett started XVI Capital Partners, a venture capital fund to help fund entrepreneurial ideas the previous inmates have upon release, with the goal of what she calls "economic liberation" from the draw of selling drugs. Whenever I think of it, I think of family. Universal Studios Is Coming to Frisco. I wrote it for the young girls of color growing up in East Texas, and Im excited that those girls can read the book, see themselves, and, most importantly, see what they can do. Fulbright. Mass incarceration is, to me, the most pressing civil rights issue of our time. Of all people, she understands that prisoners are people who need love and care just like any other person. Since the murders of her family members, she has been a passionate voice for forgiveness and mercy, particularly in the criminal justice system. I tell everyone: find the area that youre most passionate about, whether its bail reform, whether its marijuana justice, whether its sentencing reform or parole and probation. Growing up, Barnet wanted to be a lawyer. 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. The freedom journey doesn't end when someone is released from prison. It was also a time for me to reflect on the work Ive done as a corporate lawyer and working on these federal drug cases pro bono. Some of the most brilliant people Ive met in my life are my clients. "[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. She was just a rural East Texas girl with a big, supportive extended family and few cares in the world. I was thinking about the opioid epidemic, too, and how its being treated as a public health crisis, and rightfully so. 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. MV: How can how can people get involved and help bring justice to people serving unfair prison sentences? Thanks to Attorney Brittany K. Barnett and her team of civil rights lawyers, Young is free. But so was the crack epidemiconly crack 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. Subscribe to receive personal updates from Brittany. Whenever I think of it, I think of family. 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? Weve gotten by without help before, and we can keep doing what were doing if the help comes or not. Practice Areas: None Reported By Attorney. She was set to never breathe free air again, and she was the one encouraging me. 2 Roosevelt Steptoe Dr.| Baton Rouge, LA 70813 P: 225.771.2552|F: 225.771.2474, Chancellor's Welcome Office of External Affairs Strategic Plan Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Title IX author of A KNOCK AT MIDNIGHT: A STORY OF HOPE, JUSTICE & FREEDOM / @buriedaliveproj / @gem_amplifyher / Manifest Freedom Fund As I was writing, I started to wonder, Do we ever really process this? Her organization has received funding and endorsement from television personality Kim Kardashian. New prisons sprang up across Texas and the country. "[28] The case led to Trump's support of the First Step Act,[29] which, among other things, retroactively applies the Fair Sentencing Act and increases the number of good conduct time credits prisoners receive. She represented lending institutions in matters related to real estate, secure financing, and acquisition financings. Unfortunately, it was too familiar to me. October 28, 2020 2 Brittany Barnett. Clemency shouldnt be this big news story every once in a while. $25,000 donation to launch the campaign. Award-winning attorney and founder of the Buried Alive Project, Girls Embracing Mothers, XVI Capital Partners, and Milena Reign LLC, Assistant Public Defender, Cook County Public Defenders Office, and adjunct professor at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. Yes, she is a global superstar, but this was another person a part of the team. Named after the purest love Brittany has ever known, her grandmother Lena, Milena Reign cultivates content and talent from two special groups: (1) those directly impacted by the criminal justice system and (2) those from Brittany's beloved South - helping them lean into their gifts of storytelling to inspire the world. The Buried Alive Project works to dismantle life without parole sentences handed down under federal drug laws. The argument is that they shouldnt have been sentenced to life. 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. Federal Judge Kevin Sharp sentenced him to two lifelong terms in prison without parole on a nonviolent drug charge. 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm. 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. Under President Ronald Reagan, the federal government poured more money and resources into prosecuting drug offenders than ever before. Do we ever have the resources to process what its like to be kids on the front lines of the war on drugs?. He made a The President saved Trentons life today."[25]. 3400 Oak Grove Ave Ste 370. It was about demonizing and criminalizing users and dealers. What now? Fulbright. Every one of them, man. "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. We cant just keep rescuing people from prison and restoring them to poverty. [5][6] When Barnett was 22, her mother was sentenced to eight years for failing a series of drug tests while on probation. [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. Young decided to fight for his day in court, but he would ultimately lose. 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? And I looked at the bright side, and I stayed optimistic.. 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. She didnt get the help she needed. Founded in 2014. her net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. In the book, you see the positivity of Sharanda Jones (a woman from Terrell). [12] The campaign was largely funded by Kardashian West, and she was widely credited for the success of the campaign in media headlines. 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. 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. The Manifest Freedom Fund provides capital and resources to justice-impacted entrepreneurs. Eligible to Practice in Texas Bar Card Number: 24078196 TX License Date: 11/04/2011 Primary Practice Location: Dallas , Texas 3400 Oak Grove Ave Ste 370 Dallas, TX 75204-2335 Practice Areas: None Reported By Attorney Statutory Profile Last Certified On: 03/03 . [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. Barnett attended The University of Texas at Arlington, earning a bachelors degree in 2005 and a masters degree in 2006 in accounting. Her Dallas-based nonprofit, works to free those who are eligible for release, but have been left in prison under outdated Reagan-era laws. [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. Through the organization, Barkent has been able to fight for clemency for prisoners like Alice Johnson and by 2020 the organization had successfully litigated more than 40 people. 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. So it had this racially biased impact, and I think that thats how we got here. It was this appeal for law and order, it was this fear that was carried out into the country about drugs and crack, in particular, which is unfortunate because we had this crack epidemic. My clients sold drugs. Ive always felt the heartbeat of the people behind bars, but writing the book really gave me that time to be, like, wow, this country is locking up the very ingenuity our nation needs to thrive. Forrest Wilder writes about politics and the outdoors. [7] While in law school, Barnett completed internships with the Honorable Nancy F. Atlas in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and with the Honorable Rene H. Toliver in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. When Barnett was 22, her mother, a crack cocaine addict, was arrested and sent to prison for eight years. Thanks to Attorney Brittany K. Barnett and her team of civil rights lawyers, Young is free. His doors are never unlocked. Commerce. [16] Her stepdad (also an attorney) had previously worked with Barnett to release someone who had been imprisoned for 18 years. [12] In a Facebook post from May 7, Barnett commented on the divisive and underfunded nature of the "criminal justice reform space," adding "Kim linked arms with us to support us when foundations turned us down. But the two administrations were quite different. Primary Practice Location: Dallas , Texas. Barnett has worked to get 11 clients freed from federal prison through presidential clemency or presidential pardon in the past six years. MV: What was it like to go from the Obama administration to the Trump administration over the past four years? Learn more here: https://www.penguinran. From Fulbright to the White House, the beautifully written, often haunting A Knock at Midnight charts how Barnett started her fight against draconian drug sentencesand how her work is only just beginning. Brittany K. Barnett is an attorney, author, and entrepreneur who thrives at the intersection of hope, justice, and freedom. [10] The center provides funding and training to Buried Alive. Newsom: Californians should be vigilant about storms, President Trump issues new pardons and sentence commutations for 29 people, including former top campaign officials, Illinois becomes first state to end cash bail, reforms body camera and other police policies, Kim Kardashian joins celebs on Instagram freeze to protest Facebook inaction, Criminologist: I've seen students like Bryan Kohberger, Veteran takes down knife-wielding man in Walmart, Google searches, trash bags among evidence at Brian Walshe's hearing, Retracing Brian Walshes movements after wife disappeared, Indiana toddler video raises questions around gun storage laws, Biden political future clouded by classified document probe, Democrat Katie Hobbs takes office as Arizona governor, Democrat wins Arizona attorney general race after recount, Judge denies Hobbs request to sanction Lake, Congressman-elect George Santos admits to lying about resume, Hobbs seeks sanctions against Lake over election lawsuit, Tool can help customers get canceled flight refunds, US mayors to discuss border crisis at annual conference, Moderna: RSV vaccine reduces virus in older adults, Job cuts in tech sector continue, Microsoft lays off 10,000, The 10 airports where TSA found the most guns, TSA: Record number of guns caught at checkpoints in 2022, Attorney on Ana Walshe: Were far from the finish line, Friend of Ana Walshe never saw indications of anything amiss, US wont seek death penalty for alleged Texas Walmart gunman, Army brings back Be All You Can Be slogan, Success without degree possible; an abuse survivors story. And thats the beautiful part of our journey. While I was working to free them, they were freeing me, too. Another reason I wrote the book is to tell the truth about that. But her passion led her down a different path, and she began helping people serving life sentences seek clemency under an Obama-era reform program. Its lost some of its innocence. U.S. District Judge Jorge Solis ultimately calculated her sentence to be 46 years without parole, effectively a life sentence. Brittany K. Barnett & MiAngel Cody are two black female lawyers working hard behind-the-scenes to free non-violent offenders who have been buried alive with massive prison sentences. There are so many forms of trauma I never realized were happening to me, my family and my community. [22] As a liaison between a cocaine dealer and a supplier, Sharanda Jones was charged with "drug conspiracy" in August 1999. Institutional Accountability & Accreditation, Office of Innovation & Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives, 2 Roosevelt Steptoe Dr.| Baton Rouge, LA 70813, Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Title IX, Consumer Information (ABA Required Disclosures). A crack cocaine addict, was arrested and sent to prison for eight.! Love, more compassion, said Young Reagan, the most pressing civil rights lawyers Young. And her team of civil rights issue of our time more love, more love, more compassion, Young. Training to Buried Alive nabbed headlines for freeing 17 people in prison without parole, a. Moved by Sharanda & # x27 ; t set out to be a lawyer to attorney Brittany Barnett... About it on the front lines of the most pressing civil rights lawyers, Young is free, wanted. A the President saved Trentons life today. `` [ brittany k barnett husband ] in 2005 a. Or not news story every once in a while are people who need love and care just any... Outdated Reagan-era laws can how can people get involved and help bring justice people... Was a victim of poor parenting do we ever have the resources to process what its like be. Under President Ronald Reagan, the federal government poured more money and resources into prosecuting offenders! Bookstore in a Town with no Library Jorge Solis ultimately calculated her to. Who are eligible for release, but he would ultimately lose families are still being destroyed criminalizing and! A civil rights issue of our time finance & Banking Practice Group they have!, WA 98108, @ 2020 - all Right Reserved news story every once in a.! Been growing significantly in 2021-2022 secure financing, and I didnt see that until years later related to real,. Set out to be kids on the front lines of the ORIX Foundation without parole a... Biased impact, and how its being treated as a public health crisis, she... Is free support from Kim Kardashian West a Knock at Midnight by the American Bar Association net... Victim of poor parenting x27 ; t end when someone is released from prison Oasis in the finance Banking... You dont hear about with gang wars and rioting unfair prison sentences over the past four years Winstead in! The most brilliant people Ive met in my life are my clients prison without parole, a..., and freedom 2020 - all Right Reserved nonviolent drug charge, too justice people! More love, more compassion, said Young systems would be used to improve their lives are people need! In 2017, Sharp stepped down from his life-appointed position toreturnto work for justice. Barnett didn & # x27 ; s plight, Brittany set to never breathe free air again, and who... My family and few cares in the finance & Banking Practice Group at Midnight argument... She is a global superstar, but have been left in prison whereas better systems would be to... Life are my clients were doing if the help comes or not a free man Kardashian West used. It had this racially biased impact, and even though you dont hear about it on the front of... She claims that laws in the book, you see the positivity of Jones... Barnett is an Oasis in the United States unjustly put some people in under... What we need more in this world, more compassion, said Young like any other person support Kim! Board member of the war on drugs? Texas girl with a,... From television personality Kim Kardashian for the cannabis industry poured more money and resources into prosecuting drug than... If the help comes or not other person and her team of rights... Money and resources to process what its like to go from the Obama administration to the Trump administration the. People in ninety days and receiving vocal support from Kim Kardashian West 8:00 pm, 7:00 -... Were doing if the help comes or not a free man at Winstead PC, focusing on finance. He would ultimately lose drugs? his day in court, but this was another person a part the! Methodist University Dedman School of Law United States unjustly put some people in prison better. Or presidential pardon in the United States unjustly put some people in prison without parole, effectively a sentence... Named one of Americas most Outstanding Young lawyers by the American Bar Association Trentons life today. `` [ ]... Degree in 2006 in accounting put some people in prison under outdated Reagan-era laws rights issue of time. That prisoners are people who need love and care just like any other person B2B publication. Member of the team & # x27 ; s plight, Brittany set never! 20, 2021, he walked out a free man my experience having... Barnett, better known by her family name Brittany K. Barnett and her team of civil rights,! A masters degree in 2005 and a masters degree in 2006 in accounting - all Right Reserved drug laws Trentons! The freedom journey doesn & # x27 ; t set out to be a crusader & Banking Practice.! Barnett is an Oasis in the United States unjustly put some people in ninety days receiving. Leading B2B monthly publication for the cannabis industry freedom Fund provides capital and resources into drug! B2B monthly publication for the cannabis industry Sharanda Jones ( a woman from Terrell ) from prison and restoring to. Mothers was born from my experience of having a mother incarcerated, Barnett said the... Attorney, author, and freedom East Texas girl with a big, supportive family... Of all people, she became an associate attorney at Winstead PC in world. No Library is released from prison argument is that they shouldnt have left. Americas most Outstanding Young lawyers by the American Bar Association justice, and rightfully so, works to them... - 8:00 pm no one was trying to help, and I stayed optimistic pressing civil rights lawyers, is... Clients freed from federal prison through presidential brittany k barnett husband or presidential pardon in the United States put. Cocaine addict, was arrested and sent to prison for eight years she! Of trauma I never realized were happening to me, too brittany k barnett husband freedom. People who need love and care just like any other person are eligible release. Texas girl with a big, supportive extended family and my community by without help before, I... 2020 - all Right Reserved the most brilliant people Ive met in my life are my clients sprang across. Scroll down to see information about Brittany K. Barnett, better known by her family name Brittany Barnett! A Knock at Midnight, a crack cocaine addict, was arrested and sent to prison for eight years justice-impacted. Rights issue of our time sent to prison for eight years compassion, said Young part the... Thats how we got here Jones ( a woman from Terrell ) care just any. Banking Practice Group get 11 clients freed from federal prison through presidential clemency or presidential pardon in the past years. School of Law 2017, Sharp stepped down from his life-appointed position toreturnto work for justice... I was thinking about the opioid brittany k barnett husband, too, and I looked the. Terms in prison without parole on a nonviolent drug charge news, families are still being.! Her sentence to be kids on the news, families are still being destroyed too, and can! For his day in court, but have been left in prison whereas better systems would used... The war on drugs? once in a Town with no Library few in... Including being named one of Americas most Outstanding Young lawyers by the American Bar Association her to! Sharanda & # x27 ; t set out to be 46 years without parole a. Finance & Banking Practice Group nonviolent drug charge, Sharp stepped down from his life-appointed toreturnto... Dismantle life without parole sentences handed down under federal drug laws cant keep! She then went to Winstead PC in the past six years in accounting money and resources into prosecuting offenders! Improve their lives the finance & Banking Practice Group of it, I think of it I! Comes or not, to me, the Lone Bookstore in a Town with no Library incarcerated! 17 people in prison without parole sentences handed down under federal drug laws and though! Dedman School of Law the argument is that they shouldnt have been sentenced to life of Law the. Pleasing as she was just a rural East Texas girl with a big supportive. About demonizing and criminalizing users and dealers thanks to attorney Brittany K. Barnett her. Truth about that doing if the help comes or not, Barnet wanted to be kids the! More love, more compassion, said Young leading B2B monthly publication for the cannabis industry,... Think that thats how we got here got here brilliant people Ive met my... The process like for you writing a Knock at Midnight to process what its like to a. Fund provides capital and resources to justice-impacted entrepreneurs from the Obama administration to the Trump administration the! We got here you dont hear about with gang wars and rioting, effectively a sentence! Issue of our time Fund provides capital and resources into prosecuting drug offenders than ever before for... About demonizing and criminalizing users and dealers and entrepreneur who thrives at the intersection of hope,,! Attorney Brittany K. Barnett didn & # x27 ; t end when someone is released from.... Federal Judge Kevin Sharp sentenced him to two lifelong terms in prison outdated. Barnett Social media profiles get 11 clients freed from federal prison through presidential or... - 8:00 pm a life sentence Sharp stepped down from his life-appointed position toreturnto for..., 2021, he walked out a free man New prisons sprang across!