She spent the better part of her adult life in federal prison without parole for a first-time drug conviction before President Donald Trump commuted her sentence at the urging of Kim Kardashian West.
Both Alice Marie Johnson and Kardashian West vow to keep on advocating for prison reform.
“I can’t stop,” Johnson told the Associated Press. “I’ve lived it. I’ve walked with them. I’ve cried with them. My life is completely intertwined forever with those left behind.”
In 1996, Johnson got mixed up in a drug trafficking ring after a series of life setbacks, including losing her job, divorce and the loss of her youngest son in a motorcycle accident.
Commuting sentences has been the subject of contentious debate as thousands of first time offenders like Johnson face life behind bars.
It’s scary to think of the numbers and statistics — those serving lengthy incarcerations for non-violent drug offenses. And how Kardashian West set out on an amnesty mission for Johnson that took her all the way to the White House.
But for so many others who deserve freedom - there is no celebrity in their corner, taking on the fight. Who is going to make sure they don’t waste away in America’s prisons.
There is always the option to get involved in advocacy. I know I plan on working on prison reform because I want to make a difference. As a journalist, I challenge the status quo and shine a light on issues that some would want the rest of us to forget.
At the end of the day, this is about human rights.
For those who supported clemency for Johnson, including the warden of Federal Correctional Institution, Aliceville, where she spent more than two decades; the punishment was excessive and an example of disproportionate impact on African-Americans.
Racial disparity, like the gun argument seems to have very little progress in sight, but Johnson’s story opens the dialogue and brings a measure of hope.
In 2016, Johnson penned a CNN op-ed asking for forgiveness and a second chance from the Clemency Project, but she was not among the 231 prisoners pardoned by President Barack Obama.
Tretessa Johnson created an online petition for her mother's freedom prior to Trump commuting the 63-year-old great grandmother’s sentence
and says she has accepted full responsibility for her crime and was a model prisoner who mentored other women.
It's not easy to outrun your demons, but it certainly seems like Johnson has tried to put hers behind her and give back in the best way she knows how…