Weekly Report from the Board Meeting at Holman Prison 2.10.21

Unless there is a stay, Willie B. Smith III will be executed tomorrow by the state of Alabama. Weather permitting we will show our respect and solidarity for our brother by refraining from sports and wearing our dress whites for yard where we will observe moments of silence and prayer on Tuesday and today. We will gather in a circle sharing memories of Willie and praying that somehow he may be comforted by our prayers and thoughts.

It is not too late to call Governor Ivey and ask for a stay or commutation. In fact it would great if everyone who reads this would call. And wouldn’t you feel better if you did? PHONE 1-334-242-7100

We have sent out information on tomorrow’s vigils and they will also be up on our website. 

We thank all who contacted the Governor, signed the petition and let Alabama know that it does not kill in your name.

Although out of respect for our brother Willie B. Smith we will not be discussing other issues today we would be remiss were we not to congratulate Virginia on abolishing the death penalty. We congratulate it not only because it is the first Southern state to do so but also we congratulate it because its leadership understood the inherent racism of the  death penalty/legalized lynching and made this an issue. Alabama still has a long way to go which is why we are called Project Hope to Abolish the Death Penalty!

                                                             Stay safe!       

                                                                                         Esther