A Message From the Venerable Charles deGravelles
I’m writing to let you know about the upcoming publication of an extraordinary book and to invite you to an upcoming event that will showcase it.
The book is called Waiting to Die: One Man’s Journey on Death Row by Feltus Taylor, Jr. The book was edited by Monique Morrison with a forward by Sr. Helen Prejean.
Raised by a grandmother in Baton Rouge, Feltus Taylor, Jr.’s early life was marred by trauma, instability, and devastating choices that led him to violence and ultimately to Louisiana State Penitentiary’s death row. At 31, Taylor committed a robbery and murder for which he was executed by lethal injection on June 6, 2000.
I was Feltus’ spiritual advisor and part of a remarkable team of lawyers, social work researchers, and writers who encouraged and supported Feltus in recounting the story of his life. Feltus directed that any proceeds from the publication of this work be directed to his victims and also to support programs that work with at-risk youth.
Waiting to Die is a powerful story of redemption, hope and reconciliation. Feltus was forgiven by the surviving victim of his crime, and Feltus was determined, through his writing, to help young people avoid the life of crime that led him to death row. The book is available for purchase on Amazon.
You are also invited to a moderated discussion of this work and the wider issues of storytelling, justice, and documenting difficult stories. Monique Morrison, the editor of the work, and Dr. Cecile Guin who oversaw the writing project, will be the featured panelists. Copies of Waiting to Die, signed by the editor, will be available there for purchase.
The event is designed to foster thoughtful dialogue and reflection. We recognize that the issues surrounding capital punishment deeply affect many individuals and fammiles, including victims’ families, and we approach this conversation with care and respect.
Details are below and a flyer with a registration QR code and below.
What: A Conversation on Storytelling, Justice, and Documenting Difficult Stories
Where: Ballroom, Huey P. Long Fieldhouse at LSU