Vigil for Freedom and Racial Justice

12/31/2024

Dear Governor Cooper,

As your tenure as Governor of North Carolina concludes, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your dedicated service and unwavering commitment to justice and equity within our state’s criminal justice system. Your leadership has been instrumental in advancing reforms that promote fairness and second chances for many North Carolinians.

Notably, since 2020, you have granted clemency to a significant number of individuals, including 32 pardons and 26 commutations, demonstrating a profound commitment to rectifying past injustices and offering renewed hope to those deserving of mercy.

Your establishment of the Juvenile Sentence Review Board and the careful consideration of its recommendations have provided a pathway to redemption for individuals sentenced as minors, reflecting a compassionate approach to rehabilitation and reintegration.

As an advocate for decarceration and racial justice, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact of your decisions on individuals, families, and communities across our state. Your actions have set a precedent for future leadership, emphasizing the importance of mercy, understanding, and the belief in human potential for change.

On behalf of myself and the Decarcerate Now NC Coalition, I express our deepest appreciation for your service and wish you continued success in your future endeavors. May your legacy inspire ongoing efforts toward a more just and equitable society.

With sincere gratitude and respect,

Kristie Puckett on behalf of DecarcerateNowNC

12/23/2024

Our Final Vigil for Freedom, Justice, and Clemency

For years, our organization has gathered outside the Executive Mansion each December, calling on Governor Roy Cooper to use his power of clemency to bring hope and justice to individuals and families impacted by the criminal legal system. This year, our final vigil, we are filled with both gratitude and nostalgia as we reflect on the progress we’ve made together.

Today, we celebrate a powerful victory: Governor Cooper has granted six commutations and nine pardons of forgiveness, a testament to the power of collective advocacy and persistence. This milestone is a reminder of why we began this work and why we’ve never wavered in our commitment to decarceration and racial justice.

This moment is deeply meaningful to Decarcerate Now NC and all of our partners and supporters. While this vigil marks the end of an era, the movement continues. Our work has built a foundation for others to carry forward the fight for systemic change and second chances.

📖 Learn more about this victory:
• CBS17 feature: https://www.cbs17.com/
• Governor’s announcement: https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2024/12/23/governor-cooper-issues-six-commutations-and-nine-pardons-forgiveness

We want to thank everyone who has stood with us over the years—through cold nights, tough battles, and triumphant wins. Together, we’ve shown that justice is possible, and that clemency is a vital tool for creating it.

As we close this chapter, we invite you to join us in celebrating this victory and continuing the work for freedom, equity, and second chances.

Today, Governor Roy Cooper commuted the sentences of six people in North Carolina prisons and granted pardons to nine others.

12/12/2024

As we head out to Governor Roy Cooper mansion for the third day of the Final Vigil, we are hopeful that he acts like President Joe Biden did and grant mass clemency and pardons.

As the statement from the White House says, America is a country of second chances! Let our People Go!

Today’s announcement will commute the sentences of close to 1,500 individuals who were placed on home confinement and will pardon 39 individuals convicted

12/04/2024

🕊 Our LAST Vigil launches in less than a week🕊

Join us as we demand justice, racial equity, and freedom for all! Our message is clear: Gov. Cooper must use his executive clemency powers to set our people free.

📅 When: December 10, 2024 – January 1, 2025
📍 Where: Corner of Jones St. and Person St., Downtown Raleigh, NC

Help us honor those affected by racial injustice and advocate for change.

📢 How You Can Support:
✅ Volunteer to sit at the vigil – bring friends.
✅ Provide food/snacks
✅ Partner on events like rallies, marches, or themed days.

👉 For more details, visit decarceratenownc.org or email [email protected]

11/22/2024

Need more information about the 2024 Vigil? Want to know more about clemency in North Carolina?

Download our Vigil and Clemency Toolkits Here: https://buff.ly/3B2lXtK
🕊 Join us for the 2024 Vigil for Freedom and Racial Justice🕊

📅 When: December 10, 2024 – January 1, 2025
📍 Where: Corner of Jones St. and Person St., Downtown Raleigh, NC

📢 Join us as we demand justice, racial equity, and freedom for all!📢

11/22/2024

🕊 Vigil for Freedom and Racial Justice 🕊
Join us as we demand justice, racial equity, and freedom for all!

📅 When: December 10, 2024 – January 1, 2025
📍 Where: Corner of Jones St. and Person St., Downtown Raleigh, NC

We gather to honor those affected by racial injustice and advocate for change. Our message is clear: Decarcerate NOW! Gov. Cooper must use his executive clemency powers to set our people free.

📢 How You Can Support:
✅ Volunteer to sit at the vigil – bring friends.
✅ Provide food/snacks
✅ Partner on events like rallies, marches, or themed days.

Let’s close out the year with purpose, unity, and strength.

👉 For more details, email [email protected]
📲 Follow and share: FB: Decarcerate Now NC | IG:

08/16/2024

We need your help! Please donate what you can to ensure that incarcerated women get the supplies they need.

06/15/2024

We honor Phyllis "Grandma" Hardy and her beloved husband, Willie "Pop" Hardy, who recently passed away. Their legacy of love, justice, and community will continue to inspire us.

As we approach the final year of the Vigil, we will carry their strength and hope with us as we continue to fight for justice and the liberation of all incarcerated people.

03/05/2024

is running two direct, nonpartisan voter protection hotlines to combat racist voter intimidation and ensure justice involved voters have access to the information and resources they need.

1. NONPARTISAN NC VOTER PROTECTION HOTLINE: If you have questions about your voter registration status, voting by mail or in person, or photo voter ID requirements, you can contact the non-partisan North Carolina Election Protection Hotline at 1-888-OUR-VOTE (8683).

2. SECOND CHANCE VOTER HOTLINE: If you are directly impacted by the criminal justice system and you have questions about your eligibility to vote in North Carolina, or want to report an instance of voter intimidation, please reach out at 1-877-880-VOTE (8683).