SOUTHAVEN, Miss. — The family of a Memphis woman freed from prison with the help of celebrity Kim Kardashian say they are more determined than ever to fight for prison reform after meeting with Kardashian Wednesday.
Alice Marie Johnson was granted clemency by President Trump after serving 21 years behind bars.
“Simply, just wonderful. We feel so blessed. I am just so grateful. This is like a dream come true,” Johnson’s sister, Coria Williams, said.
Wednesday, Williams hosted her sister and Kardashian at her Southaven home for their first in-person meeting.
“It was so touching, it was all I could do to fight back the tears because when they hugged, embraced each other, it was so genuine. It seemed like they had known each other,” Williams said.
She says everyone in her family hugged Kardashian and thanked her for using her platform to help free her sister.
“Our circle is complete again. We’re a close knit family. We’ve always done so many things together. We enjoy each other.”
A new item they’ve bonded over is keeping this mission moving.
“Going through this experience, I now have a different outlook on things and you know, I’m willing to say and do whatever I can to help with prison reform because it’s so important.”
She says Johnson is looking to spearhead a movement to help others who are in similar situations as hers.
The entire family is also on board.
“We cannot do too much, we cannot do enough. It’s going to take all of us getting on the bandwagon and doing whatever we can to make sure that people are treated fairly and they are given a chance.”
Because she knows there are plenty of people locked up who deserve a second chance.
Alice Marie Johnson has a job lined up in the Memphis area and is spending the day with her children and grandchildren who came into town.