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There’s an undeniable presence of privilege in our society, especially within the justice system. As a Black woman, I am acutely aware that I navigate a system that was not designed with my interests in mind. While I have never faced arrest or incarceration, I have witnessed the struggles of many Black women, including my own mother, who experienced the harsh realities of the criminal justice system.
During my teenage years, I visited my mother in jail after she was sentenced for drug-related offenses. That experience solidified my resolve to forge a different path for myself, a path that I am proud to say I have followed. However, countless Black girls and women find themselves ensnared in a system that often punishes them unjustly — a reality rooted in systemic racism that persists unless we fundamentally redefine our understanding of equality.
We are not there yet. We live in a society where identical crimes can yield drastically different sentences based on the race of the perpetrator. Recently, a white woman named Lisa Johnson was sentenced to just two years of probation for embezzling $250,000 from a public institution. Despite stealing a significant amount of money, her punishment consists of checking in with a probation officer and maintaining good behavior. Reports indicate that she misappropriated funds to support her children’s education and other personal expenses.
In stark contrast, just a day later in the same courthouse, a different woman, Sarah Mitchell, received an 18-month prison sentence for embezzling $42,000 from a local high school to fuel her gambling addiction. While both women committed the same crime — taking money that was not theirs — their sentences were far from equal, highlighting the racial disparities that plague our justice system.
The treatment of Black individuals, particularly Black women, in the justice system is glaringly disproportionate. The U.S. continues to grapple with mass incarceration, with millions of Black and Hispanic Americans receiving lengthy sentences for crimes that often do not warrant such harsh penalties. According to the Prison Policy Initiative, as of 2019, 231,000 women and girls were incarcerated in the U.S., half of whom were held in local jails. Shockingly, 80% of these incarcerated women are mothers — a reality that is painfully familiar to those like me who have visited their mothers in jail.
Organizations such as The Sentencing Project are tirelessly working to unveil the truths of our justice system and combat racial disparities within it. Their research indicates that while the incarceration rates for Black women have decreased since 2000, they are still imprisoned at higher rates than their white counterparts — 83 per 100,000 Black women compared to 48 per 100,000 white women.
Data does not lie. Of over 330 million Americans, Black individuals constitute 13% of the population yet represent 40% of the incarcerated demographic. The statistics reveal that in terms of arrests, 2,306 Black individuals per 100,000 compared to 450 white individuals are apprehended.
To truly understand systemic racism, one must recognize that it extends beyond the criminal justice system. It permeates various aspects of society, including housing, employment, and healthcare, all contributing to a system designed to hinder the success of people of color.
We cannot dismiss the deeply rooted issues that perpetuate systemic racism. The argument that individuals can simply “get a job” or “move to a better neighborhood” overlooks the barriers that many are forced to navigate.
As we reflect on the disparities in sentencing between Lisa Johnson and Sarah Mitchell, it’s crucial to acknowledge that while both women deserved to face consequences for their actions, the stark contrast in their sentences is a painful reminder of the inequities that exist. As a Black woman in America, I know all too well that the law often does not favor me or my community.
If the past year has taught us anything, it is that change requires collective action. We must stand together to address these injustices, as far too many women like Sarah Mitchell are imprisoned while others, like Lisa Johnson, remain free.
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Summary
The disparity in sentencing between two women who committed similar acts of embezzlement highlights the deep-rooted issues of systemic racism within the justice system. As a Black woman, I understand firsthand the biases that exist and the need for collective action to address these injustices.