Weekly Report from the Board Meeting at Holman Prison 8.9.23
We were pleased to read that the family and estate of Joe Nathan James Jr who was tortured to death by the state of Alabama last year even though the family of the murder victim’s family opposed the execution filed a lawsuit alleging that the state violated James’ Eighth Amendment protections against cruel and unusual punishment, and his 14th Amendment guarantees of due process. Gov. Kay Ivey’s office has signed a $100,000 defense contract. It is noteworthy that in the Governor’s statement of justification there is talk of justice but that her favorite word “closure” is glaringly absent!
We (Esther) participated in the Alabama People of Faith Death Penalty Coalition zoom meeting organized by Sam Heath of EJUSA. As always it was good to see the committed participants and to be brought up to date. The highpoint for many participants and definitely for us was to “see” Sarah Gregory, the granddaughter of Dorothy Epps who forgave and did more than just forgive Jimi Barber but became a close friend who spent his last days with him and witnessed his execution. We are honored to call Sarah “friend” and truly she gives us hope.
Sam Heath writes very comprehensive notes and we look forward to be able to share them with the Board where they will also see that we suggested that we need to involve Conservatives Concerned about the Death Penalty.
The Board decided that from now on the members would hold a vigil on every day that there is an execution in this country to show their solidarity with all victims of “institutional homicide”. The first of these took place last Thursday. Yes, we are an Alabama organization but yes, we also understand the importance of solidarity.
The Reverend Tom Duley will be giving a talk on the death penalty at the Shambhala Meditation Center in Birmingham on Thursday, September 21st from 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
We thank all who are working so hard and diligently to stop all killing in Alabama! And
as always in closing, we 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. And if you would like to order our book “Ghosts Over the Boiler” you can do so at Amazon.com. Stay well and be kind to each other,
Esther
