Cyntoia Brown Granted Clemency Hearing

-blogged by @theRealAlexisDanielle

After a 51 year sentence and a viral heartbreaking story, Cyntoia Brown may get the break she has been waiting for.

At the age of 16, Brown was tried as an adult after killing a man responsible for trafficking her for sex. For the last thirteen years, the now 30-year-old has been fighting for a second chance.

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She’ll get that chance May 23rd with a newly granted clemency hearing.

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Brown’s case first garnered public attention in 2011 after a documentary about her story titled “Me Facing Life: Cyntoia’s Story” aired on PBS. Most recently Brown’s story received more popularity on social media, garnering the attention of celebrities like #KimKardashian and #Rihanna.

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Ultimately, Brown’s fate will fall in the hands of  Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. A parole board will decide if clemency should be considered for Brown, and it is up to Haslam to approve or deny the request. Throughout his tenure, Haslam has not ever granted clemency to a prisoner.