
The co-founder of the Black Mafia Family (BMF), a notorious crime organization, receives presidential pardon after serving part of his 30-year sentence.
- Dec 21, 2024
AceShowbiz - Terry "Southwest T" Flenory is now officially a free man. Known for co-founding the notorious Black Mafia Family (BMF) alongside his brother Demetrius "Big Meech" Flenory, Terry Flenory's life has been a rollercoaster from crime kingpin to a symbol of hope for reform and redemption. The brothers founded the organized crime organization in 1985 Detroit and received extensive sentences in 2008 for running a nationwide crime ring.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected turns in their journey. Terry was released on house arrest in 2020, and recently, he received a presidential pardon from Joe Biden as part of a broader initiative targeting those placed in home confinement during the pandemic. Sharing his joy on Instagram, Terry posted pictures of his clemency affidavit and a video of his ankle monitor being removed. He expressed his gratitude with a heartfelt message, "It's been a journey, but prayer and unwavering faith beyond mere human comprehension got us to this point."
While still under house arrest, Terry celebrated the moment, not just for himself but as a beacon of hope for many others in similar circumstances. The pardon, which has been widely covered by various news outlets including WXYZ in Detroit and 11 Alive, marks a significant chapter in Terry's life, which has been shrouded in both infamy and rehabilitation.
BMF's impact has permeated into pop culture significantly, leading to a television series produced by 50 Cent on STARZ. The show, named "BMF", dramatizes the lives of the Flenory brothers with Demetrius Flenory Jr. a.k.a. Lil Meech playing his father Big Meech and Da'Vinchi portraying Southwest T. The series, shot mainly in Atlanta, has concluded its third season with the fourth expected to premiere in 2025.
Demetrius "Big Meech" Flenory, although not granted presidential pardon, also experienced a change in his incarceration status. In October, he was moved to a residential reentry program in Miami where he is expected to serve the remainder of his sentence until his projected release date on January 27, 2026.
The Flenory brothers, once synonymous with organized crime, are now part of an evolving narrative of change, redemption and the complexities of the justice system. Their stories continue to serve as a powerful dialogue on crime, punishment and the possibility of new beginnings.