Why We Need to Fight for Cyntoia Brown — human trafficking victim sentenced to 51 years in jail.

In 2006, Cyntoia Brown was a 16 years old teenager in Tennessee when she was a victim of human trafficking. Brown was faced with a troubled childhood that resulted in her dating a 23 year old, who turned into her pimp. It was during this time he began soliciting her for sex. On August 6th, Brown was solicited by sex with a 43 year old man Johnny Allen. During a visit to his home gone wrong, Brown states that he became very violent with her and in defense, she shot him. In 2006, Brown was sentenced to 51 years in prison before she would be eligible for parole and tried as an adult and first degree murder, despite evidence showing that Brown was a victim of sex-trafficking due to an abusive boyfriend. This shows how flawed her first trial was due to the fact that she is a woman of color engaging in sex work and in a community where young girls in her economic circumstance, are more prone to being sex trafficking. Because of the publicity and attention of her story brought to the Tennessee justice system, the laws regarding prostitution and minors has changed. As a result, girls under the age of 18 cannot be tried for prostitution, and instead as human trafficking victims. However it’s still work to be done for Cyntoia Brown. It’s 2018 and we’re calling for clemency to be granted to Cyntoia Brown or a cancellation of her sentence through the Supreme Court. Her sentence is unjust and wrong as she was a victim and forced to react. Under the new laws, Brown is fully capable and deserving of release. If she were tried today, she would be tried as a human trafficking victim versus a prostitute. We’re calling for the governor of Tennessee to grant Cyntoia Brown clemency. As of today, Brown’s case is pending in the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. As Brown’s case is pending, we encourage you to make calls to the Tennessee governor and write letters of encouragement to Cyntoia Brown. This is the time to show our support to her and stand up for her freedom. Contact information for both the governor and Cyntoia is below.