“We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there “is” such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
It’s hard to believe that we are already halfway through 2024. And what a different year it has been. By this time last year, we experienced devastating steps backwards with Florida’s death penalty – there were two death penalty expansion bills signed into law and Florida had executed four of its citizens.
I know that when the death penalty is in the news and things are happening every day, there is more pressure to act. It feels easier to find your passion and fire. And believe me, I get how scary it is to talk about the fact that executions are not happening in Florida, for fear that the machinery of death will start up again.
But we must follow Martin Luther King Jr’s call. We will not become apathetic or complacent. There are 275 men and 2 women on Florida’s death row. There are still people being sentenced to death under our broken and unconstitutional non-unanimous scheme. The situation is still urgent.
Please stand up with FADP with a mid-year gift. Please help us mobilize with $35, $150, $500, $1000 – or more if you can.
I often get replies to our emails that you support us and want to help, but you cannot afford to donate. While financial contributions are the strongest way for us to ensure this important work can continue, there are other things you can do to raise our profile in the state:
- Do you belong to an organization, a church, or other civic group? Ask your organization to hold an event to talk about the death penalty. Or see if FADP can set up a table at an already scheduled event. Contact us here.
- Like, follow, and share our social media content and keep your contact information up to date.
I know you are with us. I know that you do not want the death penalty carried out in your name.
We have six months left in the year and a goal to raise $25,000 by December 31.
I leave you with a photo that has both haunted and inspired me for the last year. This June was the one year anniversary of the execution of Duane Owen, who was killed on June 15, 2023, and who was unquestionably severely mentally ill. His lifelong friends came to his execution vigil, and stood with us in the pouring rain holding this photo to remind us all that Duane was not a monster, despite his unspeakable crimes.
Let this photo be a reminder to fight against apathy. To fight against complacency. To understand that there is still an urgent need for change. We will use this pause in executions to build our strength. Stand with us and help us tell our leaders, Not in Our Name.
Onward,
Maria DeLiberato
FADP Executive Director
P.S.: Those who donate by the end of August will be in the running to win some special FADP items – we have stickers, books, and t-shirts to give away. Each $25 increment enters you for one chance to win. So the more you donate, the more chances you have to be one of our 25 winners!