Kimberly Brown, author of the book “Cries in the Dark,” has a powerful message for those affected by mass incarceration: no one is beyond redemption. In her personal and captivating narrative, Brown shows that life after prison can be meaningful and even prosperous. In her book, Brown tells the story of her life as a child, her experiences as a drug dealer, then finding redemption after serving eight years in prison. Today, she offers hope to prisoners seeking a new life and shares her story to inspire others to follow their dreams.
“I wanted to share my story because, at one point, I thought I never would,” Brown stated. “This book is about my path of self-discovery to unveil the blessings in my life. To activate the life I wanted, I had to push myself to do the work.”
Brown believes second chances are significant because they allow people to start over, make things right, and fix what they’ve broken. The readers can expect a well-written book that shares her experiences on both sides of the criminal justice system. She begins the book discussing her ancestral lineage and difficult upbringing in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, that led her to the streets. Exposed to the drug dealing life at a young age, Brown details being the only woman on a 19-man indictment that eventually landed her in federal prison while pregnant.
Since her release 15 years ago, Brown has become a remarkable woman who has overcome many challenges and achieved great success in entrepreneurship. Her book received five stars and has paved the way for her to network with other prison reform organizations and share her story of speaking in prisons. Her latest visit was to Carole S. Young Medical Facility, a high-security women’s prison.
“I remember sitting in the audience while the faith-based organizations would minister to us,” Brown said. “It’s a blessing to be on the other side of the room to share my testimony and give directly to the inmates the hope I once searched for.”
Brown believes rehabilitation and redemption are essential concepts when working with inmates. Providing treatment and support helps someone who has committed a crime return to society as a law-abiding citizen. This summer, she will launch her nonprofit organization, House of Ayaguna, which helps pregnant incarcerated women and mothers separated from their children. Her story shows that it is possible to serve time and still come out stronger on the other side. Today, Brown inspires others, showing them that prison can be a place to find hope, find strength, and create a new life.
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