The justice system is anything but just, especially when it comes to black men and boys. A new PBS documentary is not only shedding light on that fact, but highlights the story of a teen sentenced to four consecutive life sentences at just 15. 

From 15 to Life: Kenneth’s Story:

Does sentencing a teenager to life without parole serve our society well? The United States is the only country in the world that routinely condemns children to die in prison. This is the story of one of those children, now a young man, seeking a second chance in Florida. At age 15, Kenneth Young received four consecutive life sentences for a series of armed robberies. Imprisoned for more than a decade, he believed he would die behind bars. Now a U.S. Supreme Court decision could set him free. 15 to Life: Kenneth’s Story follows Young’s struggle for redemption, revealing a justice system with thousands of young people serving sentences intended for society’s most dangerous criminals.

Read more at 15 to Life: Kenneth’s Story

Watch the documentary’s trailer:

The United States is the only country in the world that sentences children to life in prison.

Sentencing a child to life in prison does not serve our society well. Kudos to PBS for highlighting this important issue.

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  • The Black Youth Project is a platform that highlights the voices and ideas of Black millennials. Through knowledge, voice, and action, we work to empower and uplift the lived experiences of young Black Americans today.