Christa Pike’s horrifying failed execution serves as a clear reminder of the death penalty’s cruelty. But it also reveals what this punishment asks of us as a society: The death penalty asks us to put aside our humanity. Rather than seeking to understand the roots of crime, it tells us to see a small group of people as monsters, unworthy of life and incapable of redemption. This kind of thinking leads only to more violence and hatred.
That’s why we’re asking you to join us on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 1 p.m. for an online event in recognition of World Day Against the Death Penalty: Stories for Life, Across the Divide. At this very special event, you’ll hear from a group of people who refused to abandon their humanity. Even in the face of unimaginable loss, they have found ways to cross barriers that the death penalty tells us are stark divides.
Lynda Simmons lost her son to murder and then devoted herself to restorative justice. She told her story to men on death row, helping them take accountability for the harm they had caused and reckon with their own stories.
Brenda Hooks had a son on death row. She built bonds with homicide survivor family members while raising her voice to help end the death penalty. Her son, Cerron Hooks, received clemency in 2024 but remains in prison.
Jean Parks lost her sister to murder and, after decades of advocating to end the death penalty, met with the person imprisoned for her sister’s killing. She grappled with questions about his innocence and eventually advocated for his release from prison.
Alfred Rivera spent two years on NC’s death row for a crime he did not commit. During his time on death row, he formed deep friendships with other men on death row. After his exoneration, he raised his voice to reveal the danger of racist prosecutions and wrongful convictions.
Their stories remind us that we can honor victims of violence without abandoning our essential compassion and humanity, and we can build a safer society without inflicting more violence. Please join us on Oct. 10. REGISTER HERE.
