On August 18, we gathered in downtown Raleigh to mark 18 years since the last execution in our state and to tell the one person who can make sure executions do not resume, Governor Roy Cooper, “Time’s Running Out: Commute Death Row!” Governor Cooper’s term ends in only a few months and he must act to commute death row soon, before it is too late. We began at Church on Morgan in downtown Raleigh before taking our call for commutations directly to the Governor’s Mansion. It was very inspiring to see everyone in such a beautiful space on a sunny Sunday afternoon!
The day began with everyone enjoying delicious Crumbl Cookies and singing Freedom Songs led by NC-based musician Britton Buchanan. Britton also debuted two new powerful songs: Real Good Kid and Not in My Name. We also heard “Now is the Time,” by our Community Engagement Coordinator and award-winning poet Nick Courmon. Our featured speaker Reverend Sharon Risher delivered an emotional and compelling speech regarding her own lived experience with gun violence and the death penalty. We were also joined by Ed Chapman and Henry McCollum, both of whom were exonerated from death row, along with people who’ve lost loved ones to execution and to homicide. You can watch a livestream of the program here. Our event was also covered by CBS 17.
Those in attendance completed an impressive 120 postcards telling the governor why he should commute North Carolina’s death row. Thank you for sending a strong message to the Governor’s office that a wide cross-section of North Carolinians support commutation. If you weren’t at the event, please make sure you’re on our email list and visit our Postcard Campaign page for more info on how to receive a packet of postcards.
After the program at Church on Morgan, we gathered outside and marched three blocks to the Governor’s Mansion. As usual, our march was led by directly-impacted people. One of our main messages at the event was “Not in My Name,” in other words, that we as North Carolinians do not support our state carrying out executions. We carried signs and chanted as we walked to the Governor’s Mansion what we would like in our names, including justice, mercy, and healing. At the Mansion, we did a full lap around the block before gathering in the parking lot across the street where Britton closed us out with “We Shall Not Be Moved,” playing his guitar and singing through Noel’s bullhorn.
As we sang the last song in a large circle, we felt so encouraged by the way the NCCADP community continues to show up in support of ending the death penalty in North Carolina! We are more confident than ever that the Governor will hear our call and act. Thank you for all the ways that you continue to support The Commutation Campaign. And if you have capacity, perhaps consider writing an extra postcard or two. After all, Time’s Running Out!
