2024 EVENT SCHEDULE
All programming is located on the sidewalk in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, unless otherwise noted. The schedule of events and speakers are subject to change but we will do our best to update this page with current information. In the event of inclement weather or other disruptions, the programs will be held inside the United Methodist Church Building on Maryland Ave. next to the Court. Technology permitting, all programs will be recorded and streamed on Death Penalty Action's social media platforms.
June 28th - Friday
8:00 pm - Our home-base space at the United Methodist Building (100 Maryland Ave - next door to the Court) opens to us for unloading, preparations and gathering.
9:30 pm to 11:45 pm - Our "Last Supper" together at the Methodist Building before fasting starts. This is a catered dinner with non-alcoholic drinks provided. While everyone is welcome (including event participants, fasters, non-fasters, supporters, and any guests and friends that you want to invite), we do need to know who is attending in advance so we can order the right amount of food. Either indicate your attendance on your registration form, or email scott@abolition.org with your RSVP and number of additional guests. Note: Alcohol is NOT permitted on the premises.
11:55 pm - Meet after dinner at the Supreme Court for a 12:00 am midnight opening gathering to start the fast together.
June 29th - Saturday
Marks the 52nd anniversary of the 1972 Furman v. Georgia decision in which the U.S. Supreme Court found the death penalty to be applied in an arbitrary and capricious manner.
12:01 am - Fasting officially starts, with a 30 minute opening gathering at the court to kick off the fast.
8:00 am - We will gather at the United Methodist Church building at 8am to help get the vigil set up in the morning
9:00 am - For those participating in the Poor People's March: when ready we'll take ride shares or walk to gather at the John Marshall Park entry point. This is a 10-15 minute walk from the Supreme Court/UMC Building. If you cannot be at the Fast set-up, meet us at the John Marshall Park entry point between 9:15am and 9:30am. If you can't find us, call/text (preferred) Abe at 561-371-5204. If you arrive later/independently, text Abe for our location.
9:00 am to 6:00 pm - Vigil outside the court, gathering petition signatures, holding signs, and handing out pamphlets. usloads of tourists just waiting for YOU to hand them some information, and possibly have a conversation! The adjacent United Methodist Building will be open the entire time for air conditioning, bathrooms and for drinks.
6:00 pm to 8:30 pm - Abolition Teach-In and Q&A, featuring:
- Britton Buchanon - Musician & Abolitionist
- Shane Claiborne - Founder of Red Letter Christians
- George Hale – Reporter who has witnessed executions
- Rev. Sharon Risher - Board Chair of Death Penalty Action & member of FLOCC - Whose mother was murdered
- Alli Sullivan – On prison visitation and the executions this past week of Ramiro Gonzales & Daiji (Richard Rojem)
(All speakers are listed alphabetically and are subject to change.)
Note that in-person presentations and discussions will also be live-streamed for remote participation. If joining remotely, watch live on our Facebook page or our YouTube channel.
June 30th - Sunday
9:00 am to 6:00 pm - Vigil outside the court, gathering petition signatures, holding signs, and handing out pamphlets. Busloads of tourists just waiting for YOU to hand them some information, and possibly have a conversation! The adjacent United Methodist Building will be open the entire time for air conditioning, bathrooms and for drinks.
2:00 pm - Special film screening of In the Executioner's Shadow, inside the Methodist Building next door to the Court. Includes a talk back with co-producer Professor Richard Stack and Cantor Mike Zoosman, co-founder, L'chaim! Jews Against the Death Penalty
6:00 pm to 8:30 pm - Abolition Teach-In and Q&A, featuring:
- Robert Dunham - Founder & Executive Director of DP3 - the Death Penalty Policy Project
- Kat Jutras - State Advocacy Director for Death Penalty Alternatives for Arizona
- Art Laffin – Dorothy Day Catholic Worker
- Delia Perez-Meyer - Whose brother died last month on Texas' death row
- Charlie & Pauline Sullivan – Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants
- Rev. Hillary Taylor – South Carolinians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty
- SueZann Bosler & George White - Co-founders of Journey of Hope ...From Violence to Healing
(All speakers are listed alphabetically and are subject to change.)
Note that in-person presentations and discussions will also be live-streamed for remote participation. If joining remotely, watch live on our Facebook page or our YouTube channel.
July 1st - Monday
9:00 am to 6:00 pm - Vigil outside the court, gathering petition signatures, holding signs, and handing out pamphlets. Busloads of tourists just waiting for YOU to hand them some information, and possibly have a conversation! The adjacent United Methodist Building will be open the entire time for air conditioning, bathrooms and for drinks.
11:00 am - Media Availability & Mini Rally featuring victim family members, death row family members, death row survivors and other movement leaders.
6:00 pm to 8:30 pm - Abolition Teach-In and Q&A, featuring:
- Dana Floberg - Director of Corporate Campaigns at WorthRises.org
- Gina Grimm - Whose father was executed
- Sam Heath - Leader of Equal Justice USA's Evangelical Network
- Terri Steinberg - Journey of Hope board member, Whose son was on death row
- Nancy Vollertsen – Sister of Oklahoma death row survivor and Witness to Innocence Member Greg Wilhoit
- Chivas Watson - Just Leadership USA & WorkingGroup512
(All speakers are listed alphabetically and are subject to change.)
Note that in-person presentations and discussions will also be live-streamed for remote participation. If joining remotely, watch live on our Facebook page or our YouTube channel.
8:30 pm through the next morning - The vigil and presence outside the court becomes continuous with those who choose to do so maintaining the vigil overnight on the sidewalk outside the court. Bring a sleeping bag, mat, or pillow for sidewalk comfort!
The United Methodist Building and its security personnel will remain open all night for those who need indoor nap breaks or restroom facilities.
July 2nd - Tuesday
Marks the 48th anniversary of the Supreme Court's 1976 decision in Gregg V. Georgia, in which new death penalty laws were upheld and state-sponsored prisoner killings were allowed to resume.
Early AM - Continuing from the all-night sleep-over presence
9:00 am to 6:00 pm - Vigil outside the court, gathering petition signatures, holding signs, and handing out pamphlets. Busloads of tourists just waiting for YOU to hand them some information, and possibly have a conversation! The adjacent United Methodist Building will be open the entire time for air conditioning, bathrooms and for drinks.
6:00 pm to 8:30 pm - Abolition Teach-In and Q&A, featuring:
- Ashley Eve - anti-death penalty activist and lawyer
- Jack Payden-Travers - former executive director of Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.
- Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan Jr. - Member of FLOCC, Executive Director of the Ohio Council of Churches and Board Chair of Journey of Hope
- Charles Keith - Impacted Communities Liaison for Death Penalty Action & brother of Kevin Keith
(All speakers are listed alphabetically and are subject to change.)
Note that in-person presentations and discussions will also be live-streamed for remote participation. If joining remotely, watch live on our Facebook page or our YouTube channel.
12:00 Midnight - Break the fast together with a free meal outside the court. A closing circle will begin at 11:15 pm so people can share about their experiences with the group.
Participants are welcome to head out after the midnight meal (some buses and trains depart at this hour) or stay one more night in DC.
July 3rd - Wednesday
The Fast and Vigil has ended, and participants may head back home. Unless arrangements have been made in advance, no housing is available after 12:00 pm Noon.