ColorOfChange.org changing the color of democracy

UPDATE (4/28/12): On Wednesday (4/26), after hundreds of Connecticut ColorOfChange members called on their state legislators to eliminate capital punishment, Governor Malloy signed the bill banning the death penalty in the state. The ColorOfChange community commends Connecticut on this momentous occasion. Connecticut is now the 17th state in the nation and the fifth in five years to eliminate capital punishment. Time and again, state legislatures are realizing that this form of punishment is cruel and racially discriminatory and it's clear that there is a growing national momentum. We'll continue to honor the pledge we made after Troy Davis' death to keep up the fight to end the death penalty nationwide.

UPDATE (4/12/12): Last night, the Connecticut General Assembly voted 86-62 to repeal the death penalty in the state...

This February we've celebrated Black History Month by highlighting some of ColorOfChange's most dynamic campaigns -- moments that captured national attention and spoke directly to the Black experience in America. We recalled our founding moment in the aftermath of Katrina, the multidimensional movement to free the Jena Six, and the effort to save Troy Davis' life and challenge our broken criminal justice system.

Let us know in the comments section what you thought of our Black History Month series. And if you aren't already a member, please join us here.

Troy Davis captured our hearts and minds. Once just one of the more than 1,300 Black people on death row, Davis' case had drawn both grassroots support and the attention of noted political and religious leaders in recent years because of the many indications that Davis may well have been innocent. ColorOfChange members were outraged by Davis' situation and heartbroken when we were unable to help save his life. But his case remains a source of motivation and inspiration as the movement to eradicate racial bias in the criminal justice system continues.

After a long battle with breast cancer, Martina Correia, sister of the late Troy Davis, passed away on December 1, 2011. Correia will be remembered for her tireless efforts to save her brother's life. ColorOfChange members organized against Davis' execution. Martina's work as a human rights advocate is an inspiration.

Last week Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber announced that no more executions would occur during his time in office. The announcement came after he halted an execution that was set to take place this month. In the wake of the devastating execution of Troy Davis in Georgia and at a time when many elected officials are reexamining their stance on the death penalty, is public opinion shifting?