Weekly Report from the Board Meeting at Holman Prison 4.28.21

Last Thursday justice took another step backwards in this country when on the Jones case from Mississippi by a  vote of 6 to 3, “the justices ruled that states are not obligated to make a legal finding that a juvenile defendant is “permanently incorrigible” before imposing life without parole — even though common sense, and some of the court’s own past words, suggest that’s what locking a child up forever means.” (Washington Post). States can still decide for themselves where they stand on that issue but when you have been sentenced in a state like Alabama, a state that still celebrates a backward holiday like Confederate Memorial Day, there is not much room for optimism. Quoting from Heather Renwick, Legal Director of Fair Sentencing of Youth: “Today’s decision from the Court further highlights the need for state legislatures and Congress to pass legislation to ban life without parole and other extreme sentences for children.”

Optimism is however allowed when reading the first draft of our article for the MS Quarterly assembled and edited by Advisory Board Member Dr. Katie Owens-Murphy! Lots of hard work, research and dedication are what are making it happen. Thank you also to Advisory Board Member Attorney Kacey L. Keeton for proofing to make sure there isn't anything  that is potentially litigious.

Networking is essential for all organizations no matter how large or small. Perhaps it is especially for an organization like ours whose Chairman and Board are on death row. We are dedicated to it and so we were delighted to connect with Pat VanderMeer who is  a member of Alabama CURE and on the board of 2nd Chance Lifesavers. That the connection was facilitated by one of our Board members made it extra special. As Esther is a life-member of CURE there was already a connection which will now get stronger with both organizations wanting to help the other. Welcome Pat VanderMeer!                                                                               

 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!        

                                                                                                           Esther