Race and the Death Penalty ~ March 1

Modern Lynching ~ Race and the Death Penalty

On March 1st, beginning at 7 pm at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center in Seattle, we will present an evening of stories and songs designed to educate and inspire us in our efforts to achieve racial justice and abolish the death penalty.

The history of the death penalty in this country and this state is intertwined with our unfortunate history of racism. It is our humble hope that by exploring this history, we can inform and inspire our community to re-double our efforts to achieve racial justice and end state sanctioned killing.

The evening will present renowned musical talent as well some of this nation’s leading scholars on the persistent role that race plays in deciding who lives and who dies .

One of the highlights of the evening will certainly be Christina Swarns of the NAACP Criminal Defense Fund. Ms. Swarns has defended numerous death row inmates including the successful DNA exoneration of Nicholas Yarris, on death row for 21 years. She also argued on appeal that race discrimination infected the trial of Mumia Abu-Jamal. Joining Ms. Swarns will be Jeffrey Robinson, this State’s finest criminal defense lawyer, who will detail how a local prosecutor secured a death sentence for Jonathan Gentry, an African-American man prosecuted in Kitsap County, by appealing to the racial fears of his all-white jury.

We are also excited to present the musical talent of Jared Clifton, lead singer of the Radio Nationals, singer/songwriter Carla Torgeson from the Walkabouts, the Immaculate Conception Gospel Choir, as well as a few surprises!There is a suggested donation of $25. To secure a ticket you can call 206/622-8952. Tickets will also be sold at the door on the night of the event.