Campaign Update - Week of 9/26/2011

Execution of Troy Davis
September 21 was a sad day in the history of American justice. The execution of Troy Davis, despite the litany of high profile people and mass support along with the gripping doubts in the case, should have been enough to stop his execution. We cannot be discouraged; we have our work cut out for us.

World Day Aginst the Death Penalty
Our Coordinated Team (ACLU, Amnesty and MADP) will be planning a weekend of activities leading to the World Day Against the Death Penalty being recognized throughout the civilized world. See scheduled activities below:

Saturday, Oct 8, 11 am – 1 pm Petitioning for Reggie
Forest Park, Central West End, The Loop and the Civic Center MetroLink stops have been targeted for collecting signatures. We need people near each of these to gather signatures or to distribute Reggie’s literature.

Sunday morning, Oct 9 “Faith, Fairness & the Death Penalty”
We encourage faith leaders to talk about the death penalty and its flaws using cases like Troy Davis and Reggie. Please let us know if your church will be participating so we can add them to the list of participants.

Monday, Oct 10, 7-8 pm World Day Against the Death Penalty
Our rally will be a part of a worldwide effort to bring attention to the failures of the death penalty system. There will be speakers and performances to bring up the energy and give us the vision. Venue to be announced soon.

“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com

Campaign Update - Week of 09/05/2011

Flaws of the Judicial System
We know that the contradictions of the U.S. justice system are many. We also know that the wheels of justice turn very slowly and in too many cases, they grind to a screeching halt. Here’s news to share on 3 cases:

Troy Davis has now received an execution case of September 21 by the Georgia State Supreme Court. Troy’s case is wrought with problems and has received international attention. Despite recanting of witnesses and other issues, the state seems bent on killing another innocent man. In the days ahead, we will let you know the best ways to support Troy.

Dale Helmig of Missouri has finally received his freedom papers. Helmig had been convicted by an overzealous Kenny Hulshof in the 1996 murder of his mother. Last year Dale was released on bond after a judge overturned the conviction, citing Dale’s innocence. Helmig and his supporters had a long wait but the state recently decided not to retry the case, opening the door for total exoneration.

Reginald Griffin has served 25 years for a murder of a fellow inmate. The Missouri Supreme Court overturned that conviction when it was discovered that prosecutors withheld evidence that would have freed Reggie. Now Reggie must wait to see if the state will retry him. If not, Reggie may be home in a couple of months.

Panel Discussion on Dead Man Walking
Vera Thomas, Reggie’s Mother, will joing of ther family members of murder victims and death-sentenced prisoners on Thursday, September 8 at 7 pm. The panel will discuss issues raised by the recent performance of the opera “Dead Man Walking” by Union Avenue Opera. The panel will be at Christ Church (Episcopal) Cathedral, 1210 Locust. The event is free to the public.

Reggie’s 40th Birthday
Thanks to all who helped Reggie to celebrate his 40th birthday. Our Flashing for Justice was a new and different kind of activity that received measured results. We plan to build on it the concept in the future. There was also a celebration and dinner hosted by Reggie’s parents at their church. Reggie sends his heartfelt appreciation for all the kind thoughts, actions and cards.

“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com