Cyntoia Brown deserves to be free.
Demand Governor Bill Haslam grant Cyntoia Brown clemency.
Call 1 844-298-2731
Cyntoia Brown is still locked away in a cage. Late last week, the Tennessee Supreme Court upheld the decision for Cyntoia to serve 51 years in prison before she is eligible for parole. The ruling was in response to a lawsuit that argued that Cyntoia’s life sentence was unconstitutional because of a 2012 U.S. supreme court ruling that stated mandatory life sentences without parole for juveniles violates the Constitution.1 This is a critical moment to fight hard for Cyntoia. For over a decade, she has been forced to endure the systemic harm of the prison and legal system, simply for defending her life. Juvenile life sentences are a cruel and unusual form of punishment. Cyntoia was only 16-years old when she was sentenced to life in prison for killing a man who kidnapped her and sexually assaulted her. The governor is the only one who can free her by granting clemency--and he only has a few weeks left in office. Haslam’s term ends by the end of this year. So we must keep flooding Governor Haslam’s office with calls until the very end -- until Cyntoia Brown is finally FREE. Can you join us and make a call?
Cyntoia’s case has gained national attention and many civil rights groups, activists, celebrities, and communities are advocating for her release.2 Cyntoia needs us NOW more than ever to pressure Gov. Bill Haslam--the decision rests in his hands. Despite the Tennessee Supreme Court’s ruling, Governor Bill Haslam still has authority to grant her clemency and release her from prison. Every day that Cyntoia is locked up, is a day that Governor Haslam is choosing to ignore her right to freedom. Phone calls are an important way you can make your voice heard directly with decision makers. It is easy and quick. Just follow along below. Call 1-844-298-2731 now.
When they answer, you can read from the script below, or use your own words. Be polite and calm. While we might be angry, we need to send a consistent message that can't be twisted to discredit us. We'll connect you.
Here's what to say when they answer:
- Hi, I'm [state your name] and I am calling on Gov. Bill Haslam to pardon and free Cyntoia Brown from prison.
- Cyntoia Brown has been in prison since she was 16 years old and no young person should be punished for being a victim of abuse and trauma.
- Gov. Bill Haslam cannot wait any longer. Cyntoia's freedom matters. The governor's leadership is important and Cyntoia is counting on him to do the right thing now.
- Will the Governor support the immediate release of Cyntoia Brown?
Time is running out. Governor Bill Haslam cannot fail Cyntoia Brown like the justice system has already done. Cyntoia’s case is another painful reminder that the justice system punishes and criminalizes Black girls and women for using their agency to fight back against abusers and rapists, leaving many to sit in prison for decades without any reprieve. Releasing Cyntoia Brown from prison will set a crucial precedent for ending the criminalization of young people and survivors of gendered violence.
Until justice is real,
Clarise, Rashad, Arisha, Scott, Anay, Kristen, Marena, and the rest of the Color Of Change team
References:
Color Of Change is building a movement to elevate the voices of Black folks and our allies, and win real social and political change. Help keep our movement strong.
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