Capital-X Meets George White

Capital-

At the 15th Annual Fast & Vigil to Abolish the Death Penalty

From June 29th - July 2nd, 2008 I had the opportunity to attend the 15th Annual Fast & Vigil to Abolish the Death Penalty in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, DC. Every year abolitionists from around the country and world come together for four days in an effort against the death penalty. They set-up shop on the sidewalk of the U.S. Supreme Court and put their ideals into action. And they lose some weight.


There were many great speakers at the Vigil & Fast this year. A few them I had heard speak before and some I hadn't. George White was one of those I hadn't heard speak before. I didn't know anything about George or his story but I thank God that I know now.

I was introduced to George at a gathering they call the last supper. It was an informal gathering at a restaurant in DC the night before the vigil & fast was to begin. From the second George sat down at my table I knew we had something big in common. We were both ex-prisoners. There is a common bond when it comes to fellow ex-captives. We understand certain things that ordinary people will never understand fully. See no matter what words are spoken, regardless of the manner our stories are told, until one lives it themselves they will never know what's like to be a prisoner.

As George talked I could feel this brothers power, there was just something about the man that couldn't be denied. One thing was, he was not just an ex-prisoner he was an exonerated ex-prisoner, he was also a murder victim survivor. Upon learning this I was blown away. He was also the victim of a violent crime. God held back nothing building this soldier to combat against the injustices and the cruelties going on in the world behind prison walls that was for sure. George's presence was nothing short of powerful. He is one of God's warriors in my eyes.