2011 Empowerment Gathering held in Richmond, Virginia

Dear Emma,

The members of Witness to Innocence came together in Richmond, Virginia on June 9-12 for the annual WTI Empowerment Gathering. Each spring, participants come from across the country to partake in four amazing days of organizational discussions, educational workshops, cultural sharing, peer support, fellowship, and public political action. Twenty-four exonerated death row survivors, three of whom were completely new to the organization, were joined by 22 loved ones for this Gathering.

The Roslyn Conference and Retreat Center, set on 150 of Virginia's scenic acres, provided the backdrop and accommodations for discussions and workshops. Members also joined forces with Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty for a rally and lunch with community members in downtown Richmond.

WTI Gatherings are often referred to as powerful and motivating by those who have had the opportunity to participate. This year was no exception. In fact, it is clear that the organization and its members have emerged from this important assembly stronger, more unified, and more determined than ever before.

For Jeremy Sheets, who survived Nebraska's death row and now lives with his family in Colorado, the time in Richmond was especially important. "The anniversary of my ten years of freedom happened at the same time that I first met everyone. It changed me, who I am, and how I look at myself," said Jeremy. Similar sentiments were echoed by fellow newcomers Sabrina Butler Porter and Charles Giddens. "I felt good about being a part of Witness to Innocence because I could finally talk to people who understood what I went through," said Sabrina. "I didn't know what to expect but I was very impressed," added Charles. "I'm already looking forward to the next one."

We are looking forward to the next one as well.

In Solidarity,

WTI members and staff

More than 1,300 people have been put to death under the laws of Virginia. Virginia's laws ensure that those sentenced to death there are put to death more quickly than in any other state.

On the grounds of the State Capitol where those laws are made, a historic challenge was issued to this ugly side of "Virginia tradition." One after another, 24 people called out their names and described the circumstance that brought them, despite their innocence, to Death Row. And one after another added, "If I had been sentenced in Virginia, I would not be alive today."

These 24 exonerated death row survivors were joined by their loved ones and other Witness to Innocence members, as well as by supporters of Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (VADP) and other members of the public. They also received support and recognition from two Virginia speakers, State Senator Donald McEachin and VADP Executive Director Steve Northup. Also among those present were Terri Steinberg, mother of Virginia Death Row resident Justin Wolfe, Lillie Branch-Kennedy, founder of Resource Information and Help for the Disadvantaged, which serves inmates and their families around Virginia, and Mike Stone, the Virginia organizer for the National Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. The rally was covered by the Associated Press, which ensured coverage around the nation.

After the rally, VADP supporters, Witness to Innocence members, and community people went to nearby St. Peter's Catholic Church, where everyone sat in the church basement and ate lunch and talked together. Community people present called this hour-long opportunity unforgettable, and even a life-changing experience.

Exonerated death row inmates rally to end death penalty - Richmond, VA

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