Rev Left Radio Abolish the Death Penalty: Organizing toward Abolition
Feb 25, 2025
Dawson Hicks, a special events coordinator for Project HOPE to Abolish the Death Penalty, discusses strategies to end capital punishment, born from the voices of those incarcerated. He critiques Alabama's carceral system, particularly the lethal use of nitrogen hypoxia. The conversation delves into the moral failings of lawmakers deciding life and death, systemic racial inequalities, and a compelling argument for rehabilitation over execution. Dawson highlights grassroots activism's essential role in creating a just society, urging listeners to engage and advocate for change.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
PHADP's Origins
- Project HOPE to Abolish the Death Penalty (PHADP) began in 1989 in Alabama.
- Prisoners on death row founded and organized PHADP, later expanding to involve outside supporters.
Justice, Not Revenge
- Capital punishment is not an effective deterrent to crime, as evidenced by persistent death row populations.
- True justice lies in addressing social conditions that lead to crime, rather than simply enacting revenge.
Get Involved
- Join or support organizations fighting against the death penalty and other related causes.
- Show up, participate in rallies, and sign petitions to make a tangible impact.