The last five weeks have been brutal. My overwhelming sense right now is one of rage, frustration, and helplessness. I know many of you feel the same. And that’s ok.
Florida executed Dozier survivor Loran Cole on August 29th. In September, five states executed five people in the span of one week: Freddie Owens in South Carolina, Marcellus “Khaliifah” Williams in Missouri, Travis Mullis in Texas, Emmanuel Littlejohn in Oklahoma, and Alan Miller in Alabama. And – Texas is scheduled to execute Garcia White tonight at 6 pm CT.
Additionally, many people across the southeast, including thousands in the area where I live, were devastated by Hurricane Helene. Unlike many, I was incredibly fortunate to not suffer any damage or loss. Many people were not as lucky, and the loss of life and property is heartbreaking to witness.
Today, I want to spend a little bit of time telling you about the state-sanctioned murder of Mr. Williams. We know that every execution takes a little more of our humanity. This one was no different, and yet, it was. More than one million citizens and faith leaders, as well as the original prosecutors, the next of kin of the victim, and three United States Supreme Court Justices believed in Mr. Williams’ innocence and wanted him to be spared. All of these pleas fell on deaf ears. I encourage you to read the statements of the lawyers, as well as the words of our friends at Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty, as they can articulate the injustice better than I ever could.
We must use our rage and frustration to fuel us. We don’t have to stay helpless.
- Learn about and participate in International Wrongful Conviction Day tomorrow and World Day Against the Death Penalty on October 10th.
- Join us on October 17th for a virtual learning discussion about what it will take to end the death penalty. This is the first in a series of learning experiences hosted by FADP. Click here to register.
- Plan to attend or organize a Cities for Life event across Florida and the country on or around November 30th, 2024.
- Follow us on social media and share our news, actions, and events. Speak out and speak up.
- Please donate to FADP if you are able. Help us meet our year end goal so we can continue to expand our influence in Florida.
Your rage is understandable. Your frustration is expected. And yet, we are not helpless.
Thank you for being in this fight with me.
Onward,
Maria DeLiberato
FADP Executive Director