On Wednesday, May 8th, from 5:30pm – 7:30pm (doors open at 5pm for refreshments) in the Fellowship Hall of Central United Methodist Church, (27 Church Street, Asheville), there will be a film presentation by Noel Nickle, Director of the North Carolina Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (NCCADP).  The NCCADP is a statewide coalition of member organizations and individuals committed to ending the death penalty and creating a new vision of justice. Noel will introduce “Racist Roots”, a powerful 25-minute film produced by the Center for Death Penalty Litigation.  This film reveals the North Carolina death penalty’s deep entanglement with slavery, lynching, and racism. Noel will be joined by Jean Parks, the sister of a murder victim.  For almost two decades, Jean has participated in efforts to release North Carolina from the burden of having a death penalty system. She spreads the word that she and many other murder victim family members believe the execution of a human being cannot bring justice or healing.  Noel Nickle and Jean Parks make their home in Asheville and are well-rooted in their local community.

Following the film there will be a panel discussion and Q&A. The event will also include a call to action to write a postcard to Gov. Cooper calling on him to commute all NC death sentences. This is a free event and all are welcome! 

Doors open at 5pm, refreshments served 5-5:30pm.

From the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church, 2017-2020 – Section 164 G.  “We believe the death penalty denies the power of Christ to redeem, restore and transform all human beings. …We believe all human life is sacred and created by God and therefore, we must see all human life as significant and valuable. …For this reason, we oppose the death penalty (capital punishment) and urge its elimination from all criminal codes.”