As already reported the Alabama Supreme Court set an October 21st execution date for Willie B. Smith who has an IQ below 75.Talking Points for letter or email to the Governor as well as phone number: http://www.phadp.org/?q=alerts.
We very much appreciate those who have already written or emailed Governor Ivey on behalf of Willie B. Smith and urge those who haven’t to do so. Phone calls are also very important! The vigils on the day of the execution will be sent out on Monday.
We are very grateful to be able to report that there has been an outpouring of love for Willie: lots of mail, phone calls with wife and family on his tablet, prayers outside his cell and yes, even a birthday celebration cake and all and of course the singing of Happy Birthday! Willie is very appreciative and thanks all who are reaching out to him outside and of course also at Holman. And it goes without saying that being able to be present to Willie is very important to his brothers on death row.
On Monday we will be sending out the information on Execution Day Vigils around the state. There will be an additional one on Highway 21, Ross Road at the entrance to Holman Prison at 5:00 p.m. organized by the Episcopalian Diocesan Commission on Prison Ministry. And for those who cannot attend an actual vigil there is a virtual vigil at 5:00 p.m. organized by our friends of Death Penalty Action, Here is the link to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_by_hwVTcT9O3W0FbVs9Y5A
While we deeply appreciate our supporters of long standing, and you know who you are, it is also encouraging to have new ones come to the table. Those of you who read our most recent Wings of Hope will have met one of these, Dave Guard who is active getting the word out about us in the Midwest. Old friends and new friends thank you for helping us keep HOPE ALIVE!
In closing and as always, we continue to thank all our generous donors who either gave by going to our website and using the “donate” button or who gave directly. Thank you also to all who took the time to read our notes, commented, liked and shared them on Facebook. You encourage us and make all the difference. Stay safe and wear a mask!
Esther
