Cyntoia Brown Debuts Book Cover, Says She’s “Loving Every Single Thing” About Being Out Of Prison
Cyntoia Brown Debuts Book Cover, Says She’s “Loving Every Single Thing” About Being Out Of Prison
Former child sex-trafficking victim Cyntoia Brown has been a free woman for exactly two weeks, following her 15 years-long stint in prison after shooting real estate agent, Johnny Allen. She has since opened up about life on the other side of the Tennessee Prison for Women. Cyntoia says she has been spending her time doing the things she’s “only dreamt of doing.” The 31-year-old said:
“I am loving every single thing about being in my own home. Being able to cook for myself and decide how I want to spend my day feels amazing. Those simple pleasures that people take for granted are what I looked forward to when I sat in prison dreaming of freedom.”
While revealing the first look at the cover of her memoir, “Free Cyntoia: My Search for Redemption in the American Prison System,” she also subtly nodded to her wedding to Christian rapper/former Pretty Ricky member, Jamie Long. On the book’s cover, she’s listed as Cyntoia Brown-Long.
In her statement, she detailed her welcome-home party with family and friends. Cyntoia said:
“One of the best moments was the night I celebrated my release with my whole family and everyone who’d made a difference in my life over the last 15 years. Looking around and seeing how everything had come together, and how everyone was fellow-shipping and happy, was just incredible. I wasn’t presenting myself as a 16-year-old heading to prison and needing help. I was a grown woman with my calling from God. This was my coming out party.”
After an outpouring of celebrity support from the likes of Rihanna, Lebron James, and prison reform activist Kim Kardashian-West, then-Tennesee Governor Bill Haslam pardoned Cyntoia, prompting an early release from prison this month. However, she will remain on parole for the next 10 years. She says the best is yet to come:
“Every day I find myself thanking God for yet another experience I haven’t had my whole adult life.”
“Free Cyntoia: My Search for Redemption in the American Prison System” will be released on October 15th.
Written by Miata Shanay