From November 8-12, 2009, TCADP will be traveling throughout the Rio Grande Valley with “Witness to Injustice: A Speakers’ Tour Featuring Death Row Survivor Juan Roberto Melendez-Colon.” Your support of TCADP today will guarantee the success of this tour and our long-term legislative strategy.
Our friend and colleague Juan Melendez spent 17 years, 8 months, and 1 day on Florida’s death row for a crime he did not commit. Juan was exonerated and released from death row on January 3, 2002. At the time of his release, the State of Florida sent him into the free world with a pair of pants, a shirt, and $100.
Why is Juan Coming to Texas Now?
TCADP has identified the Rio Grande Valley as a strategically important region. Through this tour, we aim to educate residents and cultivate local participation in our efforts to end the death penalty in Texas. Our supporters in the Valley have a key role to play in our strategy for the 2011 Texas Legislative Session. Donate to TCADP today to show your support of this effort!
A native of Puerto Rico, Juan Melendez has shared his extraordinary story about the injustices of the death penalty with tens of thousands of people throughout the world. His powerful message of hope, courage, and survival will advance TCADP’s efforts to build support for abolition and mobilize constituents to effect change at the state legislature. Juan’s visit also will further our aim to increase and strengthen TCADP’s presence in the Valley.
“Witness to Injustice” will visit 12 venues in 7 cities, including 6 faith communities, 3 college/university campuses, and 3 high schools! This tour is co-sponsored by the Diocese of Brownsville, Pax Christi Brownsville, Valley Civil Rights Team, Pax Christi Rio Grande Valley, UTPA Criminal Justice Department, People for Peace and Justice in the Rio Grande Valley, and Witness to Innocence. Check out the full schedule of events.
Your tax-deductible donation of $25, $50 or $100 to the “Witness to Injustice” tour will help TCADP cover the cost of Juan’s travel and speaking fees & provide educational materials on the death penalty in Spanish and English. Please help us compensate Juan for his time and energy – as a death row survivor, he deserves more than $100!
Help ensure the success of “Witness to Injustice” by donating to TCADP today! Your generous, tax-deductible contribution will go a long way toward helping us educate the citizens of Texas about the flaws and failures of our state’s death penalty system. We are counting on your support at this critical moment!
In gratitude,
Kristin Houle
TCADP Executive Director