Meeting Minutes from InspireSeattle Social on March 31, 2012

Troy Davis's case sparked international outrage when the state of Georgia executed him on September 21, 2011 despite a strong case for innocence. Troy's case is emblematic of what is so broken in the U.S. Death Penalty system.

Seattle author/filmmaker/playwright and human rights advocate Jen Marlowe (www.donkeysaddle.org) joined InspireSeattle to give a heartfelt talk about her work for justice in the case of Troy Davis.  Her talk, titled "Troy Davis:  The Human Face of the Death Penalty", not only covered the wide range of issues causing serious doubt in the guilt of Davis, but also brought home the tremendous consequences of death penalty laws in the US.  Marlowe became extremely close to Davis's extended family through this ordeal, and she shared with us the human impact on all involved. 

Marlow showed videos she produced about this case to InspireSeattle.  You can view these powerful videos here:

http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/cases/usa-troy-davis/watch-videos-examining-the-troy-davis-case

Marlowe is working to help with the financial consequences suffered by the Davis family, and is collecting donations to support them:

https://www.wepay.com/donations/fund-for-troy-davis-s-family

Stefanie Anderson, the president of the Washington Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, also joined InspireSeattle to discuss current efforts in Washington State to replace the death penalty with life without the possibility of parole. Advocates throughout the state have formed the Safe and Just Alternatives Campaign to raise awareness about the broken death penalty policy and to lead a legislative effort for repeal.  Stephanie's group is a primary supporter of the Safe and Just Alternatives Campaign that recently launched in Washington State.