Journey of Hope coming to San Antonio this October

Scheduled speakers as of March 2012 are:
Bill Pelke, Co-Founder & President of Journey of Hope…From Violence to Healing: Bill’s grandmother was murdered by 15-year old who then became the youngest person on death row in America. Bill fought successfully to have her sentence commuted and plans to be standing at the gates of the prison when she is released to start her life anew. He has dedicated the last twenty-five years of his life to abolishing the death penalty and spreading his message of love and compassion for all mankind.
Shujaa Graham, Witness to Innocence Board member, California Death Row Exonoree: Shujaa has spent the last 40 or so years of his life speaking out from both sides of the bars against the death penalty, racism, the criminal justice system, incarceration, and innocence in America. His story is not to be missed.
Ron Carlson, Journey of Hope member: Ron is the sister of Deborah Ruth Carlson Davis Thornton, who was murdered by Karla Faye Tucker, Texas’ most controversial female killer. Ron became both friend to and advocate for Karla Faye and has worked to abolish the death penalty ever since her execution on February 3, 1998. Ron had to take a break from his activities a while due to his health but has graciously consented to join us and share his story on this Journey.
Randy Gardner, Journey of Hope Board Member: Randy is big brother of Ronnie Lee Gardner, who was executed by firing squad by the state of Utah on June 18, 2010. He is also the Founder of Back to Basics Organic Ranch and a Journey of Hope…From Violence to Healing Board member. Randy hopes by sharing the pain he and his family have endured due to having a family member first on death row, then executed, he will help you to understand the far reaching and devastating consequences of using the death penalty as a form of justice.
Rick Halperin, human rights educator and longtime activist who has lobbied tirelessly with abolitionist organizations on the frontlines of the struggle against the death penalty in Texas, elsewhere in the United States and abroad. Halperin teaches courses on human rights through SMU’s History Department and is assistant director of SMU's Office of Leadership and Community Involvement. Halperin earned both a Doctorate of Philosophy and a Master of Arts degree in Southern U.S. History at Auburn University (AL) and Southern Methodist University, respectively. He has been a member of Amnesty International USA for nearly 35 years and of Local Group 205 in Dallas, Texas since 1985. He originally is from Loachapoka, Alabama.

Those are off the top of my head. Many other speakers whose stories you either are familiar with, or should be familiar with, will be announced soon.

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