Throughout our short lives we have been exploited in every arena imaginable to mankind. We have been repeatedly told to “hush”, to “remain silent”, and to “ be seen and not heard”. This day we speak now with one voice … One voice that will not and shall not be extinguished. We are not here to save only one, but to save all present and future children from ever having to face execution, to endure and go through what we have.
In our childhood our parents spoke for us. Before we reached the age to speak for ourselves we found ourselves inside the legal arena in which attorneys spoke for us. From the confinement of our cells on death row our voices have still been hushed. We began to look at these things and the realization set in the unless “we” stand up for ourselves, that the only time we would be heard would be just prior to execution when we are asked, “Do you have any final words?”.
To all who read this we simply ask to be heard, not through others, but from our own mouths. We are more than mere pawns in the game of life, for the death penalty is not a game. It’s very real. Just look at our site where those executed as children shall forever be remembered.
Allow us to give you direction. We do know that there is fear that we may possibly make errors and mistakes. We know that many shall try to exploit us and attempt to exploit any who assist us. We have seen and endured that exploitation already during the course of our lives. Judges have exploited us to win elections. Prosecutors have exploited us to win convictions and death sentences. Governors have been elected based on our exploitation’s. Our exploitation has even reached Alabama Supreme Court elections.
Our families and all those that love and care about us have suffered exploitation. They too have been forced back into silence, in fear that they will be ostracized by society. Many have been and many more shall be unless change comes. There have been instances where families have had to relocate due to the pressure they faced daily from having a loved one sentenced to death. When others have attempted to speak out for us, they too have been ridiculed. One of our goals is to bring about that change and by speaking for ourselves, we hope to give sanctuary to all.
During our years under a sentence of death when we have tried to reach out for help, there has been a fear from others that something they may do to assist could possibly bring us greater harm. That fear comes out of love and care for us, which we appreciate greatly. Now we realize that it is up to us to step forward for ourselves. Let our voices be heard in life for only death brings silence.
We appreciate the support that organizations have given us on death row over the years. You also have spoken for us. You have worked with attorneys and now this day, this new day, we ask that you work with us personally. Do not let our voices be extinguished.
We have begun our march to the steps of the churches seeking sanctuary and refuge. Throughout all that we have endured we still believe and have hope in mankind. We believe that as many who turn their backs on us, as many will offer us shelter. Some of us might fall during this march, yet this march is long over due. This is not a march of death, it’s a march for the right to life.
We have many goals that we hope to achieve. All we ask it that our voices be heard and that from our voices change can come. For many of us, we may not live to see that change. It is our hope that for once our voices shall be listened to.
We personally invite you to join us in our campaign for sanctuary. Let your concerns for us become more than spoken words. Let them become positive actions.
In Solidarity
Juveniles on Alabama's Death Rowl
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Words from death row......
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