While executions nationwide have been consistently decreasing over the last decade, Alabama has been continually seeking to expand the use of the death penalty, as the graph below illustrates.

We are pleased to announce that www.phadp.org has been completely redesigned, and by a unanimous decision of the Board, Project Hope to Abolish the Death Penalty has adopted an new official logo! We believe these are both necessary steps in displaying PHADP as a unique organization committed to the cause for which it was founded. We hope in the days, weeks and years ahead of us these will each become visual representations of an organization dedicated to achieving the abolition of all state killing in Alabama. 

The Board discussed the outpouring of support on a state, national as well as international level by so many organizations and individuals received by Eddie Powell, a developmentally delayed man, who was executed on the 16th. The Board voiced their appreciation for Senator Hank Sanders, who wrote a letter to the Governor, Respect Life of the Archdiocese of Mobile and the Alabama Psychological Association which also contacted the Governor. There were so many others!

Two upcoming meetings for anyone interested in learning more about the abolition movement and/or becoming more involved with the actions taking place around the state.

AD HOC COMMITTEE VS. THE DEATH PENALTY:

Friends,

We are very sad to announce that the State of Alabama took the life of Eddie Powell tonight at Holman Prison. Our thoughts and prayers are especially with Eddie’s family, his attorneys and many friends.

We thank all of you who wrote, emailed, faxed and called Governor Bentley on behalf of Eddie right until the very end. We know that Eddie and his family were touched by the world-wide support and it was important to him that we thank you on his behalf.

On Thursday, June 16, 2011 the State of Alabama will execute a mentally retarded man.  Eddie Duval Powell has been on death row in Alabama since 1998 for the assault and murder of 79 year old Mattie Wesson of Tuscaloosa. The crime was truly horrific in nature.  Mrs. Wesson was robbed, assaulted, and shot multiple times.  Even so, Mr. Powell’s execution raises questions of justice and our understanding of mental retardation.

If there is no stay, the State of Alabama is preparing to execute Eddie Powell on Thursday, 6.16.11 at 6 p.m. at Holman State Prison. Below are the vigils around the state. Please support them and remember that it is not too late to call or fax the Governor and that it is never too late to protest all killing. PHONE 1-334-242-7100
FAX: 1-334-242-3282 Email: http://governor.alabama.gov/contact/contact_form.aspx

THE POWER OF ONE

As we know, the title is not an original but it came to mind in thinking about the last few months and the progress brought about by so many in educating Alabamians about the death penalty. At meetings/conferences I like to hand out a flyer, which has our Talking Points on one side and on the other ten suggestions on how to BE THE OTHER VOICE. The power of one: you!

Friends, We are sad to announce that the State of Alabama took the life of Jason Oric Williams tonight at Holman Prison.

Our thoughts and prayers are especially with Jason’s mother, who it was our great privilege to meet, his family and friends.