The NAACP has been an essential partner in our most recent campaigns to end the death penalty. This year marked their 105th National Convention, and EJUSA National Organizer Cherrell Brown traveled to Las Vegas to participate.
In addition to catching up with some of our strongest allies in the organization, Cherrell made new connections with national, state, and local NAACP leaders who are working on or are interested in joining efforts for repeal and criminal justice reform.
One person Cherrell wanted to track down was Oklahoma State NAACP President Anthony R. Douglas. Back in early May, Cherrell and Anthony participated in a conference call following the botched execution of Clayton Lockett. Cherrell wasn’t even sure if he would remember her or the phone call, but Cherrell wanted to be sure to reconnect and to put a face with the voice and the name.
Douglas remembered the call. In fact, he was delighted that she found him and introduced herself, after catching a glimpse of his name tag next to his blinking-light Texas-shaped button.
“Cherrell was so valuable in helping us understand what was going on and brainstorming ways we could support efforts on the ground,” Douglas said. “I look forward to our continued collaboration.”
Cherrell thrives on connections that allow her to support local repeal efforts, and especially to bring in the voices and experiences of communities of color.
Cherrell plans to work with Anthony to gather a larger group of Oklahoma State NAACP Chapter members and moderate a discussion about getting more involved in ending the death penalty.
The State of Oklahoma has three executions scheduled before the end of the year, even though the April botched execution of Lockett is still under investigation and has had several delays. State officials recently ordered the Department of Public Safety to expand its investigation to look at the botched executions in Ohio and Arizona.
