Racism, white supremacy, and the attempt to control Black bodies didn't go away after the Civil War. As I often say, "Racism never goes away, it adapts." One of the ways racism persists is through our criminal legal system, especially the death penalty. 

Joia Erin Thornton is the founder and executive director of the faith leaders of color coalition (flocc). Through her organization she works toward eliminating capital punishment in the carceral system. She talks about her journey into this work and why faith leaders need to be involved. 

Episode Highlights: 

How growing up in the South (Memphis and New Orleans) influenced her ideas of justice

How her parents taught her mother predicted Joia would grow up to be a "changemaker" 

Why ending the death penalty is a bipartisan political issue

The role of hope in justice work and ending the death penalty 

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