During a recent meeting of the Orange County Board of Commissioners, significant discussions centered around the movement to abolish the death penalty in North Carolina. The meeting highlighted an upcoming event in Hillsborough, where community members will gather to welcome participants of a 136-mile walk advocating for this cause. The event, scheduled for Friday, includes a potluck and a program featuring Reverend Dewey Williams, a chaplain on death row, who will speak on the importance of abolition.

Nick Corman, a representative from the North Carolina Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, expressed gratitude for the commissioners' support in adopting a resolution against the death penalty. He emphasized the historical context of racial terror lynchings in Orange County, linking them to the modern death penalty and calling for leadership in the fight for justice. Corman urged the commissioners to continue setting an example for others in the state.

Noelle Niccol, Executive Director of the Coalition, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the urgency of the issue as executions resume in other states. She called on Governor Cooper to take decisive action to prevent executions in North Carolina, reinforcing the coalition's commitment to restorative and racial justice.

The meeting also included a proclamation for Fire Prevention Week, scheduled for October 6-12, 2024. Commissioner McKee read the proclamation, emphasizing the importance of fire safety and the role of smoke alarms in preventing home fires. The commissioners urged residents to prepare and practice home fire escape plans, reinforcing the community's commitment to public safety.

Overall, the meeting underscored a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about the death penalty and public safety initiatives in Orange County.