Dr. Christi Griffin of The Ethics Project in St. Louis and Lawrence Ghana Hays Death Penalty Abolitionist

Dr. Christi Griffin

“From the time of the Emancipation Proclamation… incarcerations are about one singular goal, increasing the wealth of the wealthy. Until the narrative is changed and the truth becomes the conversation, everyone is simply spinning wheels” – Dr. Christi Griffin.

On todays show host Jeff Humfeld talks with Dr. Christi Griffin, Founder and President of The Ethics Project in St. Louis, MO and author of INCARCERATIONS in BLACK & WHITE: The Subjugation of Black America an exploration of today’s $50 billion U.S. prison system as an economic continuum evolving from the emancipation of slaves. Dr Griffin was in town for the Mothers of Incarcerated Sons & Daughters (MISD) “Let the Truth be Known” speakers series. In our interview we spoke of the human toll and negative effects on our society of the prison industrial complex.

You can contact Dr Griffin – 314-495-9528 or email at [email protected] and check out their website at www.theethicsproject.org
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Lawrence Ghana Hays

The Black Panther Party gave him a political education and purpose, an attempt to stop a drug deal put him on death row for a murder he did not commit, a US Supreme Court decision commuted his sentence to Life and eventually the state of New York released him with a lifetime twther called parole.

Host Margot Patterson talks with poet and death penalty abolitionist Lawrence Ghana Hays about his life in the Black Panthers and what he learned there. They also spoke of the incident that put him on on death row and the changes in the law that he is working for.

Another Brother’s Dead
by Lawrence Ghana Hayes

The roof is cold
Over a family’s head
Roaches crawl
Rats bite.
Child’s body
So hot
So limp
So Dread
No food
No warmth from clothing
So cheap
Just mom and dad
Shouts and screams
“You ain’t no man.
Get out!”

Door opens
Then Slam
Into the night
Shame walks,
Steel in hand
Confused and mad.
Days go by
No word from dad.
Phone rings
“Yes officer”
Mom listens
Hangs her head…

Calendar of Events

The Kansas City chapter of Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty will be vigiling at the JC Nichols fountain 47th and Main, KCMO on Tuesday Feb. 25th from 4-5pm in protest of the pending execution of Michael Taylor. There is still time for you to sign onto the petition at www.madpmo.org/commutemichaelssentence You can contact Governor Nixon’s office if you want him to commute Micheal’s sentence call 573-751-3222 and call the Board of Probation and Parole at 573-751-2389
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Communities Creating Opportunity invites you to We Believe in Missouri: Northland Faith Voices Call for Economic Dignity and Justice, with special guest Governor Jay Nixon. The subject is laws that govern our common life and our city and state budgets that must clearly reflect belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every human being.
This event will be held Thursday, February 27th, 6:30-8:00 pm, at the First Baptist Church, 336 Gallatin Street, Liberty, MO. For information on reserving your seat call CCO at 816.221.9900 or on line at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/northland-faith-voices-call-for-economic-dignity-and-justice-tickets-10625133059


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