Joined: Nov 2006 Gender: Female Posts: 135 Location: Australia
ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY - WALK FOR LIFE!! « Thread Started on Feb 28, 2008, 6:04pm »
Capital-"X" Announces Walk 4 Life.awareness to the Death Penalty and the injustices
Andre Latallade, also known as Capital-"X" will walk from Trenton New Jersey, approximately 1,700 miles to the Governors mansion in Texas in an attempt to bring awareness to the death penalty. The death penalty has recently been abolished in New Jersey, and Texas is known as "the busiest killing state." He is trying to "build a bridge between the two groups of victims, the executed, and their families and the victims and families of violent crimes."
Andre says "separated we call for life or death, I say we unite and call for solutions." He asks that life without parole be called for as opposed to the death sentence. Currently all executions are "on hold" while the Supreme Court rules whether lethal injection is cruel and unusual.
The walk will begin on March 31, 2008 approximately 5PM. Latallade estimates it will take around 54 days walking 8 hours a day minimum, about 3.5 mph. He will take one break for 3 days about one-third of the way to participate in the Hip Hop Association's HHEAL Festival in the Bronx, New York. Latallade is a hip hop artist himself and is known by the name of Capital-"X" on stage. Andre has created a video about his "Walk 4 Life." Andre will walk through 10 of the 12 highest executing states.
Latallade said "I think it can bring unity. Unite everybody that is fighting injustice, and keep that unity till the end. Can we make this big enough to apply international pressure on the USA?" He says "I have Italy behind me as well as London organizations, France, Denmark and Croatia. I am reaching out to Puerto Rico." Various non profit organizations, human rights groups, and other abolitionists support Andre on his "Walk 4 Life."
Capital-"X" will try to raise funds to educate people on the death penalty, and monies raised from this event will be donated to murder victim's families and abolitionist groups. Anyone interested in supporting "X" and uniting in this cause to Stop Capital Punishment, can email Andre at this address: projectrevolution2010@gmail.com
Capital-"X" Announces Walk 4 Life. He will walk 1,700 miles from Trenton, NJ to Austin Texas to bring awareness to the Death Penalty and the injustices caused by state murder. Donations and support are needed so get involed. Lets join the over 131 countries that have stopped killing it's own citizens. Lets work together and find TRUE JUSTICE !!!!!
International Human Rights Activist to "Walk 4 Life" to Abolish the Death Penalty
Joined: Nov 2006 Gender: Female Posts: 135 Location: Australia
Re: ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY - WALK FOR LIFE!! « Reply #1 on Mar 2, 2008, 5:45am »
Our biggest thanks and best wishes to Capital X as he has agreed to tribute one of his days walking to Brett.. either Diane or I will be in contact with the details when we know more. There will be an online broadcast of this walk also.. we'll get the link on here also for you.
Re: Walk 4 Life/ Capital X interview « Reply #2 on Mar 4, 2008, 12:11pm »
Note from Diane; I am posting this support information here at the top to make it easy to find. Following that, you will find a message from Capital X about the Walk 4 Life, and then an interview he did with Justice for org.
How can people support you during the walk?
People can support first by making donations. Also by spreading the word, collecting donations, setting up events. We are trying to make this an international effort that won't stop after the walk. We need continued support and unification. It is important to have funding to make this action a complete success. You can make an electronic donation from my myspace site. www.myspace.com/capitalxaka305375
Or you can mail a check or money order. Make check or money order out to Voice of the Voiceless and send it to: 30575 Voice of the Voiceless P.O. Box 892 Pine Brook, N.J. 07058
You can also make a donation by going to the following web address, just click on the donate link at the top of their page.
I will be walking through 12 states in total to get to Texas. All 12 states still have the death penalty. Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington, DC, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana and into the murder capital of the United States Texas. I am still trying to map out the route. It's difficult because I can not walk on major highways. I have estimated the distance to be about 1700 miles. It may be more or less but around this distance. I walk about 3 to 3.5 miles per hour sometimes reaching 4 but other times slowing down to 2.5. I figure on average I will walk 3.5 miles per hour. I will need to walk a minimum of 8 to 10 hours a day to make it within 54 days.
As for why I am doing this walk there are many reasons, 3500 (prisoners) of them to start with. I unfortunately fell victim to the criminal justice system here in America. I am not the only survivor of our prison system that speaks out, there are many yea I am just speaking louder. Ever since the first time I was arrested and I seen for my self how not even prisoners but those accused of wrong doing were treated I felt a need to do or say something, it's wrong. I couldn't get out though, I could not get out of the web of the system. One small crime you are found guilty of, you are theirs for the next 2 to 3 years under direct supervision of the department of corrections. So for over 20 years I struggled to break free going in and out of jails and prisons. I have seen enough to testify. Beyond my experiences I went even further and studied the history of American Prisons, I studied the history of penology, I studied criminology as well as any political ties to the criminal justice system. I can identify with prisoners as I can also identify with slaves. That's what prisoners are they are slaves. I know how easy it is to wind up on death row. I have experienced being taken for a crime I did not commit. You are helpless really. Without resources you are doomed here in America. I just can't stand by and allow this to continue seeing God has blessed me putting me in a position where I can at least attempt to make a difference, to make a change. I think every human has the responsibility to try and make things better. I think most people would agree, they would want to make this world a better place. Well in no way is killing a way of making anything better or right, there just is no justification for execution. This is first degree pre-meditated murder. The most grotesque crime if you ask me. Proper so called civilized citizens cramping up in room and performing what looks more like a satanic ritual then justice. Not every murderer on death row is a cold blooded killer. These were situations that occur ed. Crimes of passion, crimes of rage, obsession all sicknesses we deal with in this world. Rather than to deal with the sickness it self, America deals with the inflicted, with the sick. With the ones society failed to raise properly. Let's face the facts. We neglect our children because we are forced to struggle just to survive. Our family structures are near non-existent this country is a breading ground for criminals. With hundreds of new laws every year, they just keep on creating more criminals. I couldn't stand the injustice anymore. Once I realized the truth I couldn't just remain silent. I see many fighting the same battle but all the fights seem to be in vain. Maybe something like this walk could bring all those that fight together, fighting as one unit like an army. The prisoners have been calling for unity on the outside for years, but no one has listened. Groups fighting the same war, fight among each other. This is how society is, divided. Well to make change happen, we need to come together, we need to unite once and for all everyone, that's what this walk is all about. Living life, saving life, cherishing life, building life not destroying it. If we ever wish to see a better America, a better world stopping capital punishment is a good place to start. I know what it feels like to be locked in a dark cell cut off from civilization. It's silencing of the worst kind. I vowed to speak for those I left behind when I left prison. For the first time in my life I am keeping my word.. Only we the people can make a change. Waiting for our government to make things change is just not an option anymore to this is evident if you look at our crime and homicide rates. I am walking for the silenced. I will be speaking of them and for them as I walk. And I walk to also free myself from the mental prison I live in daily. Though I travel around the world I still remain in a deep dark mental prison, this is an everyday struggle. It's called prisonization. Though I am in the outside world, I am unaccepted fully, I am marked for life. And the damage from being dehumanized is done. i walk to try and free myself. I also walk for the all the victims. Cause in truth we are all Vitim's here. Every death by murder or legal murder creates victims. I walk for every one of them to symbolize the search for true justice for I believe we have not found true justice or it's meaning yet. Walk 4 Life. Yea, I am walking for every life that is effected by our criminal justice systems. For every life that has been taken by our leaders in the name of the people. Forget not one left behind, it's not one will be forgotten. "X"
INTERVIEW WITH CAPITAL - „X“ aka 305375 HEBREWS 13:3
After spending the first two decades of his life on the streets and in prison turned Capital “X” his life around and became a prisoner rights activist and confident supporter of death row inmates. He speaks out for the voiceless as member of Szena Voce, a none-profit organization based in Italy that was founded to speak out for all those who go unheard.
Capital X, please tell us more about your life and how you've spent your youth.
I was born in Brooklyn, New York the youngest of three. We lived in the housing projects in Bedford-Stuyvesant. I was only a couple years old when we moved to the South Bronx. From there forward I did a lot of moving around. I ended up dropping out of school after completing the eight grade, I was already involved with drugs. I started using drugs at 12 years old. By 14 years old I was selling. By 15 I was recruited by a drug posse, by 16 I was full member of the f*gen Family in Harlem, New York. By 17 I was in jail for the first of many times. My life wasn't as tragic as the many I know of, but it was as if it was just enough for me to be a witness. From that first time I went to jail I struggled to break free from the criminal justice system amounting approximately 13 years behind bars on numerous occasions being sentenced to prison three times serving one and one half years, four years and then five straight from 96 to 2001. Most of my prison time was due to drugs and weapons charges. I have some assaults on police which make me a violent offender, basically now I am a moving target for life considered to be dangerous. This label was put on me an never earned. I have been a member of a number of gangs, in the end I was an officer of what America calls one of the most feared violent gangs, known to kill it's own members that do not comply with their laws. I don't discuss this much because though I am not active anymore, I am a member for life. I am only non active because I was given a pass to walk the path I am now on. If I stray from this path, I will be called back to active duty. I got tired of falling victim so I began to re-build myself. I began to study. I did return to school while in prison and acquired my high school diploma. I graduated from 2 drug programs. I enrolled in Bible college and later after my release went on to community college where I studied music business and music technology. Even holding the highest grades possible, having been hired to work as the teachers aid at my college and have been highly recommended by my dean for a position at a company in New York was not enough for them to discriminate against me for my past. They took all hope away from me once again. Seeing society was not going to allow me to become a part of it even after I had paid my debt to them, I began to transform myself into a prisoners rights activist. An here I am today, an international prisoners rights activist. You can only silence the truth for so long.
What style of music do you do?
Style of music I do is what most would call hip hop, not knowing hip hop is a culture based on five different elements one being rap. I picked up the art of rapping growing up on the streets. A number of guys I grew up with are considered the founders of the art. Almighty Kay Gee of the Cold Crush Brothers is like my brother and he is one of the founders. I have been rapping and writing poetry ever since I could remember really. Before hip hop was ever born I used to write poetry and little rhymes. Now that I rap with a purpose, I married two of the biggest aspects of my life and call it Raptivism. I am a Raptivist. Rapper/Activist.
Where did you perform your songs and are there any upcoming shows?
I perform all over the world, well trying to get all over the world. I have performed in eight different countries including the USA, I also speak on an array of topics and hold workshops incorporating hip hop and serious social issues. I have performed at elementary schools, middle and high schools. I have performed in a maximum security prison in Modena, Italy. And I have done conferences, rallies, shows in Church's, youth clubs and concert venues, live on radio I perform where ever they call me to. I am scheduled to speak and perform at the University of Maryland, (College Park) in Baltimore March 8, 9, 10, and 11. April 8-10 I will be at the Raphael Hernandez School of the Performing Arts (IS 217) in the Bronx, New York speaking to kids for The Hip-Hop Association. In September I am scheduled to perform in Rome for Hip Hop Parade, and in November in Modena, Italy.
So the music has always been an important part of your life and you call yourself a Raptivist. Can you tell us what a Raptivist is?
Yes music is my life along with fighting in the struggle. It is where my passions are. Seeing I mostly rap about social and political issues I don't see myself as just a rap artist. I am not looking to become a famous rapper. Though I have been inspired by many rappers of course, I have been inspired more by the likes of activists who have made big impacts on the world. George L. Jackson, Stanley Tookie Williams, Mumia. I married my two passions rapping and activism and they bore a child, raptivism. Speaking truth in rhyme, making people aware of the injustices in rhyme. Calling for unity and action in rhyme, this is raptivism. War music.
What makes you such a strong opponent of Capital Punishment?
I am a child of God, a follower of the teachings of Christ. I studied the Bible and understand that this practice is wrong. It was just in the Old Testament, but the coming of Christ brought hope, it brought forgiveness. I clearly understand the order to which God has set forth. I just don't understand why a country that claims God can't see this. They are blind with vengeance here, hungry for revenge. I know all to well how easy a situation can arise where deadly force must be used. On the streets I found myself in many situations that could have landed me on death row. Does killing someone actually make me worthless? What about Moses? He was a murderer, but was forgiven by God. Most of the characters in the bible were the misfits of society. These situations that occur are all unique, you can't just make it black and white, life or death. There is no fairness to this. If you are to kill those who kill, what of the soldiers that kill innocent people in Iraq? Where is the justice for those families? Or do they not matter because they are not Americans? Well they may not be Americans but they are humans, just as prisoners are humans not monsters. I can identify with those on death row this is why I fight for them. There are a lot of innocent men on death row, and of the guilty, most would never kill again. There are few that should be locked away for a life time of reform. I can't stand injustice, especially when it is being fed by the unjust.
Your song 999330 is dedicated to Anthony Haynes, Texas death row inmate No 999330. What makes his case so special to you?
999330, Anthony is my brother, there are no other words to explain how I feel for him. His case is special for a number of reasons. Let me first say I identify with Anthony because our lives were similar. We didn't come from terrible families, we came from struggling families. When a child is not getting the proper structure he tends to seek his own way, often going the wrong way. I clearly understood Anthony's situation because I have been there. I just got lucky. I understand why Anthony's life took the turn it did. I understand why he was carrying a gun, and I understand why he ended up shooting a man to death. Was it wrong? Of course. Should he die for this? No. Officers of the law that kill innocent men and women are often vindicated. The murders are justified because of the situation, how it all played out. In Anthony's case, they just saw a cop killer, when he had no way of knowing the man he killed was a police officer dressed in normal clothes traveling in his civilian car. This is a clear case of revenge. Anthony has grown and developed into a strong man. Far from the scared confused 18 year old that committed the act of murder. I believe Anthony is of value and can do a lot of good in society if given the chance. If society forgave Anthony and gave him a chance, if they can except him like they accept the children we send over seas to kill for us, we can learn a lot. He could help us avoid this from happening again. See he has the answers. We keep killing the answers to our problems. It's wrong. This man deserves a second chance. He has never denied what he has done. He is honest and remorseful. He is a changed man and his case if investigated properly holds proof that this was not in truth a capital murder case. It was made a capital murder case because the victim happened to be an officer. Anthony would have been charged with aggravated man slaughter in most states along with weapons charges, he would serve 15 to 20 years. But he is in Texas.
Do you plan to record a full album?
I have been working on my album since 2004. It is almost complete. The title is "305375" 305375 was my last prison number, I emphasize MY LAST. I am looking to release it in June as I am in the studio now. With the walk, I may have to push the date back, but the release will be this year.
On March 31 starts your action Walk 4 Life in Trenton, New Jersey. The 1.700 mile long walk will lead you through 10 of the 12 states with the highest execution rate. Are there any shows and events planned? And which states will you visit?
Let's see I walk through Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, North Carolina, I will try to pass through a part of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana and into Texas. Yea, I will touch nearly the entire murder belt, ending up at the buckle. So far I believe Washington DC is putting together an event for when I reach there and of course I have heard of movements in Texas for when I arrive there. I am hoping more events and fund raisers will be put together as this comes together.
You will finish your walk after 54 days in Austin, Texas the busiest killing state of the USA. Where is the final end of the Walk 4 Life and can the people meet you there?
Yea, I am going to end the walk at the Governors Mansion in Austin. I am going to invite the Governor for coffee. Everyone can follow me through the web sites being put up and meet me there. I will be in Texas for 10 days or so after I arrive doing radio shows and other events, supporting those visiting prisoners on the row.
How did you strike on the idea to make this walk? And what is your goal with this walk?
I truly believe this idea comes from God. With the goal of unifying the people, saving lives in the end. I want to bring international attention to the fact that so many countries have stooped this barbaric act yet almighty America still sees it fit to kill it's own citizens. Puerto Rico where my people are from is a common wealth of the USA yet Puerto Rico has not had the death penalty since 1929. I want this walk to mark the beginning to ultimate end of capital punishment.
Walking full 54 days is a real challenge, how will you manage it to hang on?
The people will help me hang on. The letters I have received are fuel. The prisoners are fuel. What I have endured up until this point is my fuel. This will be another aspect of my redemption. God will be with me, I will not grow weary.
How can people support you during the walk?
People can support first by making donations. It is important to have funding to make this action a complete success. You can make an electronic donation from my myspace site. www.myspace.com/capitalxaka305375 Or you can mail a check or money order. Make check or money order out to Voice of the Voiceless and send it to: 30575Voice of the Voiceless, P.O. Box 892, Pine Brook, N.J. 07058 Also by spreading the word, collecting donations, setting up events. We are trying to make this an international effort that won't stop after the walk. We need continued support and unification.
What are your wishes how the people could support you?
With a lot of prayers and love most important. And in any any other way possible.
Thank you very much for sharing this with us, but before we end this interview, is there something else you wanna tell the people out there?
Thank you. Yea killing is wrong, there's no question about that. But we need to stop looking at those who kill as the problem. What lead them to kill is where the real problem is. We need to come together as a people again and battle these worldly problems with intelligence. We can not continue letting ourselves be lead by ignorance. There are intelligent answers we just haven't taken the time to search for them. Killing killers is not the answer for it breeds more pain and sorrow into a world that is already drowning in such. Let us make the sacrifices needed to prove we want change, to prove we will not stand for this anymore. We must succeed, because when we do, it will be the true beginning of change. Only we can make this happen. Not any one person we vote into any office. This must be done for the people, by the people. One Love, One Struggle. "X" TO ALL GROUPS, ORGANIZATIONS AND FIGHTERS
The “Walk for Life” is not only meant to be an Event that draws attention to the death penalty, but also to unite all the groups, organizations and other people. None of the groups is strong enough to end the Death Penalty alone, but if we all consolidate can we develop the full power of the Abolishment Movement! The broken system can’t withstand this power and the end of the Death Penalty will be within our grasp! This is what we all are fighting for day by day: the abolition of the Death Penalty! Every group or person may have his personal goal in this fight, but every one of us has one goal in common, and if we put aside all differences that may exist, will we be able to reach it in the near future. This message is a call for Unity to everyone who’s in one or another way involved in the fight against the Death Penalty. Italy, England, France, Germany and Croatia have already joined this action and Puerto Rico will follow. We encourage everyone to get in touch and to consolidate with us! Every single person makes a difference and is able to ad more power to the Movement! Hundreds of prisoners will die, except we end the Death Penalty before the state murders them and this is for most of them the only chance to survive! WE are the ones who can end it!
Re: WALK FOR LIFE!! « Reply #3 on Mar 6, 2008, 1:17pm »
We have just been informed that the second day of the walk will be dedicated to Brett. (April 1st, 2008)
Our most sincere thanks go out to Capital X (Andre) and everyone working to make this event a success. I hope some of the readers here will make a financial contribution to his walk, perhaps in Brett's name.
The proceeds (our commission percentage) from this will be sent in support of this event, along with one of the shirts being sent to Capital X himself. The front of the shirt reads; Capital X Fighting From The Frontlines Walk 4 Life The back reads; Brett Hartmann Innocent on Ohio's Death Row
I have also just finished a brochure about Brett's cause that will be printed up and shipped to pass out during the walk. Hope to make this available through Brett's web site in the very near future.
(Alas, my grand daughter is begging for outside time so I'll have to finish this up a bit later, but for now that is the nitty gritty).
« Last Edit: Mar 9, 2008, 4:08pm by thinkinkmesa »
Re: WALK FOR LIFE / Blog « Reply #4 on Mar 6, 2008, 9:54pm »
Capital X has a blog page giving a lot of information about the route he will be taking, the support he is in need of, related events along the way, etc, which can be found at this web address;
Re: ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY - WALK FOR LIFE!! « Reply #6 on Mar 7, 2008, 8:42pm »
It is awesome isn't it!!! How incredibly committed this man (Capital X) must be to take on such an event. I have been keeping Mom up to date with the link to his blog that maps out his route, http://capitalxwalk4life.blogspot.com/ as they are interested in trying to catch the event if it gets close enough to them. Perhaps Pennsylvania? Will post more as it becomes available.
« Last Edit: Mar 7, 2008, 8:43pm by thinkinkmesa »
Re: WALK FOR LIFE!! « Reply #7 on Mar 13, 2008, 2:39pm »
I just got done speaking with Mom on the phone, at this moment she is busy folding fliers with plans to ship them out tomorrow. She is having a bit of a problem with figuring out exactly where to meet the walk, but working on it. She is not sure if she and Aunt Arletta will physically be able to handle the long ride to meet the walk...I am hoping they will. Wish I had a drivers license...
« Last Edit: Mar 15, 2008, 3:40pm by thinkinkmesa »
Joined: Nov 2006 Gender: Female Posts: 135 Location: Australia
Re: ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY - WALK FOR LIFE!! « Reply #8 on Mar 16, 2008, 12:03am »
I do hope they can make it to some point of the walk. I would love to have been able to visit the US to participate in this walk. I will be there in spirit though. Andre did tell me he hopes to visit Australia one day soon... so I will look forward to that meeting.
Joined: Nov 2006 Gender: Female Posts: 135 Location: Australia
Re: ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY - WALK FOR LIFE!! « Reply #11 on Apr 1, 2008, 3:00am »
Just stopping by to send Capital X my best wishes for his walk... he will be in my thoughts very much as he walks today for Brett. Thank you and the world needs more people out there like you!
Day two started with a 4:30am wake up. I was walking by 5am. I had only slept about 2 hours. The campaign to end capital punishment goes beyond the walk including writing this blog, putting together the video blogs, answering e-mails, doing interviews it's a full time job with plenty of over time.
I have to admit my body was soar, my feet were tender but I had to block all that out for this day I was walking for Brett Hartmann an innocent man on Ohio's death row. For sceptics reading this guilt or innocents has nothing to do with it, I am about forgiveness and preserving human life no matter what. I in truth only got to briefly read up on Brett's case but let me go beyond that, his family. Brett's family were with me in spirit as I walked, I could feel them. The amount of love they have for Brett is an inspiration alone. For Brett his family sent me a custom shirt with his name on the back mine on the front very nice shirt. They also sent me like 5 packages of fliers to hand out bringing light to Brett's case. On top of that they made a donation and have written me a number of touching letters. I even got a letter from Brett. I have to say that yes the love involved here helped me get through day two. There were a lot of hills on day two of the walk, not steep hills just long ones and I am talking one right after another. These are unforeseen things when you are looking at the map. Between the hills and stopping to tell people about Brett and the walk we didn't cover as much ground as day one, but we still managed to make our mark. Let me add the scenery was incredible. Once we were near the Delaware border there were some really breath taking scenes. My favorite was watching about a dozen white tail running through a field. I have never seen anything like it. It was really incredible. My comrade Therapist did an exceptional job on the roadside assistance. I really wish he could stick around for the entire walk. We spoke to a lot of people. A quick stop at a Starbucks turned into a death penalty conference. I wanna say thank you to the people at Starbucks for the extra shot of espresso that got me through the last few miles. I have to also thank everyone who called the radio stations in Maryland and Washington DC. The walk is growing by the day and I have it continues to grow. I pray more people get involved and that those already involved get more involved. This is how we will win this battle. Till next time. Peace and love, peace and love. "X"
Re: 1,700-mile death penalty walk reaches Maryland « Reply #13 on Apr 5, 2008, 2:39pm »
1,700-mile death penalty walk reaches Maryland.
Andre Latallade, also known as rapper Capital X, speaks at the Stanton Community Center about his walk from Trenton, N.J., to Austin, Texas, a 1,700-mile campaign to put an end to the death penalty. A former convict himself, a tattoo on his neck references Hebrews 13:3: “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”
By JOSHUA STEWART, Staff Writer Published April 05, 2008
The shin splints he developed in Philadelphia weren't enough to stop him from reaching Annapolis last night. Wearing a well-worn pair of white Air Jordans, 43-year-old Andre Latallade stopped at the Stanton Community Center, a layover in his 1,700-mile walk to abolish the death penalty. Mr. Latallade, of Newark, N.J., started his trip on March 31 from the New Jersey State House, the last state to outlaw capital punishment. On May 25, he plans to reach Austin, Texas, a state that executes more convicts than any other. He will have to walk at least 40 miles a day to stay on schedule.
"There is a lot of killing in the world. If we can stop it at one place, then maybe it will bleed over to another," said Mr. Latallade, who flows between Bible verses, parts of international law and Johnny Cash's anthem to injustice, "Man in Black."
His visit comes as Maryland sits in death penalty limbo. The state Court of Appeals ruled that proper policies weren't followed when creating procedures to administer lethal injections. As such, lethal injections were put on hold until new protocols could be developed, protocols death penalty opponent Gov. Martin O'Malley has not created.
Mr. Latallade, also known as rapper Capital X, told a crowd of 150 in Annapolis last night that his stance against the death penalty was cemented during his own incarceration.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and raised in the South Bronx and later as the only minority in his school in New Jersey, he started using drugs at 12, selling them at 14, dropped out of school at 16, and was in jail at 17.
He spent 25 years cycling in and out of prison. He's been free since 2001, after serving about five years on drug, weapons and aggravated assault charges.
But it wasn't until he had gone to college and faced discrimination during an internship with a record company that he became an activist.
His friend and collaborator in the music business, Timm Kostenko, said he saw a new intensity in Mr. Latallade when this happened. He started reading much more, taking detailed notes, learning everything he could about prisons and the justice system. It was his purpose, Mr. Kostenko said.
"It was a gradual awakening. It was a gradual transition. He said 'you know what? There's room for me here,' " Mr. Kostenko said.
Mr. Latallade said his stance has drawn attacks. Some people accuse him of engaging on a campaign to boost his entertainment career. One person said he would think differently if his grandmother was butchered "like a pig."
He says he sympathizes with victims' families. And there are criminals who deserve to live and die - naturally - behind bars. "I understand that when your family member is murdered it is a horrific experience. But what about a mother who looks at her son in a cage, waiting for him to be murdered?" he said.
Mr. Latallade's message was important for people of the Clay Street neighborhood around the Stanton Center to hear, said Zastrow Simms, who was there to watch "Pip & Zastrow" a documentary about himself and former Mayor Pip Moyer.
"I'm glad he's here because so many of our youngsters do things that lead to it. They need to know it's no joke," Mr. Simms said.
Joined: Nov 2006 Gender: Female Posts: 135 Location: Australia
Re: ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY - WALK FOR LIFE!! « Reply #14 on Apr 6, 2008, 1:41am »
I spoke to Capital X today and he informed me that tomorrow he will be walking on crutches as his legs are hurting a little. What an enormous effort and commitment he has to this walk. He has said the word is spreading with each day and that is fantastic. He also asked me to keep spreading the word about his video blogs.. so for those of you who are reading this.. please go to his video blog and take a look at his journey. He has also told me that when he gets some time he will personally write Brett. Once again a big thanks to my friend 'X' for being one person who is making a difference.
I spoke to Capital X today and he informed me that tomorrow he will be walking on crutches as his legs are hurting a little. What an enormous effort and commitment he has to this walk. He has said the word is spreading with each day and that is fantastic. He also asked me to keep spreading the word about his video blogs.. so for those of you who are reading this.. please go to his video blog and take a look at his journey. He has also told me that when he gets some time he will personally write Brett. Once again a big thanks to my friend 'X' for being one person who is making a difference.
I was wondering how he was doing when I had read that he had developed shin splints...thanks for the update! I hope he will find more roadside assistance!
I spoke to Capital X today and he informed me that tomorrow he will be walking on crutches as his legs are hurting a little. What an enormous effort and commitment he has to this walk. He has said the word is spreading with each day and that is fantastic. He also asked me to keep spreading the word about his video blogs.. so for those of you who are reading this.. please go to his video blog and take a look at his journey. He has also told me that when he gets some time he will personally write Brett. Once again a big thanks to my friend 'X' for being one person who is making a difference.
I was wondering how he was doing when I had read that he had developed shin splints...thanks for the update! I hope he will find more roadside assistance!
I will be in contact with 'X' on a weekly basis... and I agree... I hope he does find some more roadside assistance! Hope he went ok on the crutches. Thanks for posting the links again.. I forgot to do that with my last posting!
Re: ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY - WALK FOR LIFE!! « Reply #17 on Apr 11, 2008, 3:47am »
Journey Of Hope is also collecting Walk 4 Life info and can be seen here; http://thejourneyofhope.blogspot.com/2008_04_01_archive.html They have even included some of the info on our walk, scroll down to "Our Own Small Walk" ... although they refer to me as a grandfather...they should not have assumed that only men ride motorcycles...LMAO
« Last Edit: Apr 28, 2008, 12:37pm by thinkinkmesa »
Joined: Nov 2006 Gender: Female Posts: 135 Location: Australia
Re: ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY - WALK FOR LIFE!! « Reply #18 on Apr 11, 2008, 5:22am »
Thats so awesome to see what you wrote in with the Journey of hope site.. I did have a chuckle over the grandfather thing!!!! Believe me when Capital X read that he was bought to tears by just how beautiful it was to see you and the girls do this and of course those who joined you.
Re: ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY - WALK FOR LIFE!! « Reply #19 on Apr 11, 2008, 1:13pm »
The girls were sooo awesome! They just took the idea of a walk and ran with it and did most of the work themselves. They did the snack planning and shopping, set everything up, organized their sponsors, made the signs, and got us grown folks moving when we were standing around yaking...LOL. Every day they ask "where's "X" now?" Of course yesterday they asked "did you send "X" the pictures so he knows he's not out there alone"? Yes my dears...I sent them.
On March 30, 2008 Capital X, a well-known NYC hip-hop artist, activist and ex-con, began his 1700-mile trek, Walk for Life, from Trenton NJ to Austin, Texas, the death penalty capital of the USA. Traveling without an entourage and relying only on other activists for support along the road, X has been meeting and greeting thousands of people on this amazing trip. He has spoken to hundreds of university and high school students at the U of MD, in community centers and activists’ homes and will continue to speak along the way, arriving in Texas arriving in May and in NM where he will speak and perform in mid-June. X has been joined at gatherings by nationally recognized opponents of the DP like Bill Pelke of the Journey of Hope whose grandmother was brutally murdered, and Abe Bonowitz, co-founder and director of the National Coalition to Abolish the DP and board member of the US Section of Amnesty International (AIUSA).
ON April 20th, Andre will be in North Carolina, where he will speak. Christy Armell, an Albuquerque activist vocally opposed to the death penalty, is holding a press conference in NM in solidarity with Capital X as he speaks about the treachery and inherent monstrosity of State murder and mass incarceration. One in a hundred Americans are now locked up and over 3,000 are in death row across the nation. Christy will be joined by other activists and prisoner families.
Andre will be available to ABQ media by phone, and together he and Christy will speak out regarding the current status of the death penalty in both NM and the nation. They will speak in support of a young Texas death row inmate, Rudy Medrano, who was not at the crime scene but was convicted of a capital crime because he gave guns to murderers.
In addition, Christy will talk about the current death penalty crisis in NM: the trial of Michael Paul Astorga who sits in solitary confinement without any outside contact whatsoever. His lawyer was recently denied a legal visit with him. Astorga is accused and faces capital prosecution for the murder of a sheriff’s deputy in 2005. He has not been tried or convicted, yet he is assumed by many to be guilty.
Is Michael Astorga guilty? Can he get a fair trial in New Mexico?
Christy will tell Michael Paul Astorga’s personal story for the first time.
WE need some major transportation support for Andre/Capital X Right Away! Contact first of all Andre Latallade/Cap. "X" 281 818-8935 Failing that try Connie Nash 828 384-1501, 828 884-9467 or contact Bill Pelke. U can also email Katia/Capital X at
projectrevolution2010@gmail.com
SEE Terri's blog and on down to Andre's Support of NCADP and read Abe's report and Capital X journal here at JOH blog and also at
I had a call a few hours ago from Andre (X) and just now from Bill Pelke. Andre continues strong, determined and ready to keep walking! Andre with his Campaign 4 Life is entering North Carolina on schedule. He plans to be in Reidsville, NC (a city located in Rockingham County near the NC/VA border) sometime soon.
He is cheerfully needing ALL of us to send out the call for folk willing to help transport his equipment (quite a bit!)while he walks. He will also need places to stay on his way. Venues and reporters would be nice too -- yet the main thing is TRANSPORTATION for the equipment, PLACES to STAY and some funds to keep the the WALK going.
Let's help Andre avoid having to hire any more mini-vans to carry his equipment. IF you know anyone with a little time and a vehicle willing to help out and/or anyone near Reidsville or on down between Reidsville and Charlotte, NC as well as other spots in NC, SC and Georgia Please call RIGHT AWAY!
SUPPORT CAPITAL X & CAMPAIGN 4 LIFE IN THE CAROLINAS, GEORGIA AND ON INTO TEXAS!! (Call Andre if you can help out! 281 818-8935)
Thanks for tuning in, Connie Nash for The Journey of Hope Blog
Walk4Life in VA - calling on all people June 27, « Reply #23 on May 9, 2008, 5:42pm »
2. Reminder - Walk4Life in VA - calling on all people June 27, 28, 29
Thu May 8, 2008 2:39 pm (PDT)
Please spread far and wide. In hopes we have a large turn out to end execution.
June 27,28,29 The Walk 4 Life continues. After his 1,700 mile trek to Austin, Texas Rap/Activist Capital-"X" (Andre Latallade) will march for three days in Virginia continuing to bring unity between all victims involved in capital cases including future victims (families of those on death row). Below is the route planned for the march will be calling for and end to state murder. We seek all abolitionist groups and individuals to attend the "Extended Walk 4 Life" VA March. For more information please contact Capital-"X" at _projectrevolution2 010@gmail. com_ (mailto:projectrevolution20 10@gmail. com) or Annette Blankenship at _AEBlankenship@ comcast.net_ (mailto:AEBlankenship@ comcast.net) We are in hopes of a huge turn out for lives depend on it. In solidarity. Action of Project Revolution.
To: 24414 Musselwhite Rd, Waverly, VA 23891-1111 US To: 900 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23219-3548 US
DRIVING DIRECTIONS ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -- A) Colonial Heights, VA 23834-3540 US ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -- 1. Start out going SOUTH on PINEHURST AVE toward IVEY AVE. (go 0.1 miles) 2. Turn RIGHT onto IVEY AVE. (go 0.0 miles) 3. Turn LEFT onto ROSLYN AVE. (go 0.3 miles) 4. Turn LEFT onto WASHINGTON AVE. (go 0.2 miles) 5. Turn LEFT onto BOULEVARD/US- 1/US-301. Continue to follow US-1/US-301. (go 0.5 miles) 6. Stay STRAIGHT to go onto 2ND ST/US-301/N ADAMS ST. (go 0.1 miles) 7. Turn LEFT onto E BANK ST/US-301 S. (go 0.5 miles) 8. Turn RIGHT onto N CRATER RD/US-301/VA- 36. Continue to follow N CRATER RD/US-301 S. (go 6.0 miles) 9. Turn LEFT onto TAVERN RD. (go 3.3 miles) 10. Turn RIGHT onto PRINCE GEORGE DR/VA-156. (go 0.1 miles) 11. Turn LEFT onto THWEATT DR. (go 2 .8 miles) 12. Turn RIGHT onto PUMPHOUSE RD/VA-627. (go 0.7 miles) 13. Turn RIGHT onto LOVING UNION RD. (go 0.8 miles) 14. Turn LEFT onto HOLDSWORTH RD. (go 2.1 miles) 15. Turn RIGHT onto ARWOOD RD. (go 0.2 miles) 16. Turn LEFT onto COUNTY LINE RD. (go 0.7 miles) 17. COUNTY LINE RD becomes NEWVILLE RD/VA-625. (go 1.3 miles) 18. Turn RIGHT onto CABIN POINT RD. (go 2.5 miles) 19. Turn LEFT onto MUSSELWHITE DR. (go 0.5 miles) 20. End at 24414 Musselwhite Rd Waverly, VA 23891-1111 >> ESTIMATED TIME: 46 minutes | DISTANCE: 22.78 miles ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -- B) 24414 Musselwhite Rd, Waverly, VA 23891-1111 US ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -- 1. Start out going WEST on MUSSELWHITE DR toward CABIN POINT RD. (go 0.5 miles) 2. Turn RIGHT onto CABIN POINT RD. (go 2.5 miles) 3. Turn LEFT onto NEWVILLE RD/VA-625. (go 1.3 miles) 4. NEWVILLE RD/VA-625 becomes COUNTY LINE RD. (go 0.7 miles) 5. Turn RIGHT onto ARWOOD RD. (go 2.8 miles) 6. ARWOOD RD becomes GOLF COURSE RD. (go 0.3 miles) 7. Turn RIGHT onto QUEEN ST. (go 0.1 miles) 8. Turn LEFT onto COUNTY DR/US-460 W. (go 10.8 miles) 9. Keep LEFT at the fork in the ramp. (go 0.2 miles) 10. Keep LEFT at the fork in the ramp. (go 0.2 miles) 11. Keep RIGHT at the fork in the ramp. (go 0.7 miles) 12. Take the WASHINGTON ST ramp toward US-301 N. (go 0.2 miles) 13. Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto US-460 BR W/E WASHINGTON ST. (go 0.4 miles) 14. Turn RIGHT onto N ADAMS ST. (go 0.6 miles) 15. N ADAMS ST becomes US-1 N/US-301 N. (go 20.4 miles) 16. Turn RIGHT onto SEMMES AVE/US-60. (go 0.5 miles) 17. Turn SLIGHT LEFT to take the US-60 E ramp. (go 0.3 miles) 18. Merge onto S 9TH ST. (go 0.7 miles) 19. End at 900 E Main St Richmond, VA 23219-3548 >> ESTIMATED TIME: 1 hour 17 minutes | DISTANCE: 43.06 miles ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -- C) 900 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23219-3548 US ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -- >> TOTAL ESTIMATED TIME: 2.0 hours 3 minutes | DISTANCE: 65.85 miles
Re: End of WALK4LIFE in TX « Reply #24 on May 13, 2008, 1:32pm »
(Taken from Journey of Hope Blog)
A date to mark in your calenders: May 25th: End of WALK4LIFE in TX
Dear Connie and Susanne,
after talking with Andre, we have thought to plan the end of the Walk as follows. Andre will plan his route from where he will be to the Governor Mansion in Austin and will let us know the details so those who will want to walk with him for the last miles will be able to find him. Meeting place (ending place of the walk) will be the Governor Mansion in the centre of Austin- address: corner between Eleventh and Colorado St. Time: time of meeting - between 3 and 4 pm. We know that the Governor has temporarily moved to another place but the ending of the Walk there, to the historic home of the Texas Governor is something symbolic. The idea is that after getting there, we can take our cars and go to where the Governor is living now, which is at 8113 Hickory Creek Drive (about 30 minutes far from the centre of Austin). Once there we will protest with signs and asking the Governor to talk to us. Hopefully we'll get media to cover this.
Also i think we should try to gather as more people as possible to join us at both the places. Also, we should spread the word about organizing a protest in front of the State Capitol in Austin for the following day (26th May)... with signs and petitions.
Joined: Nov 2006 Gender: Female Posts: 135 Location: Australia
Re: ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY - WALK FOR LIFE!! « Reply #25 on May 25, 2008, 1:52am »
This is the latest information I have received.. tomorrow is the last day of the walk... but not the movement as he has stated.
OK here is the last day of the walk, NOT of the movement just of the walk tomorrow morning. I will start early and should reach the Governors mansion around 2 or 3pm. Those who are looking to hook up just ride the route and you will find me or hit me up on the phone. In solidarity. X
1: Start out going SOUTH on I-35 S toward MCNEIL RD. 5.
9 mi 2: Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto N LAMAR BLVD/OLD DALLAS HWY/TX-275 LOOP S. Continue to follow N LAMAR BLVD. 8.
4 mi 3: LAMAR BLVD becomes GUADALUPE ST W. 3.
2 mi 4: Turn LEFT onto W 11TH ST. 0.
1 mi 5: Turn RIGHT onto COLORADO ST. 0.
1 mi 6: End at 1010 Colorado St Austin, TX 78701-2334
Re: SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2008 / Walk 4 Life « Reply #26 on May 25, 2008, 4:07am »
PLEASE JOIN with TCADP, TMN, CEDP and THE JOURNEY OF HOPE as we WELCOME CAPITAL "X" FOR A 'WALK FOR LIFE' on SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2008
Join us as we spread the message for Abolition of the Death Penalty in Texas.
12:00 NOON GATHER at I.H. 35 and Martin Luther King Blvd. to WELCOME AND CHEER ON ANDRE LATALLADE (AKA) CAPITAL X - WHO HAS WALKED ACROSS THIS NATION TO BRING ATTENTION TO THE DEATH PENALTY ISSUE AND TO HELP US STOP THE BARBARIC PRACTICE OF STATE EXECUTIONS!! !!
Andre is presently in Dallas, TX, and making his way down this week - Please "Walk the Last Mile with Capital X and the "Journey of Hope" towards the Governor's Mansion in Austin, TX on Sunday, May 25, 2008.
Our very special guests are Bill Pelke whose grandmother was murdered, and Suujah Graham who spent over 20 years as an innocent man on death row; both men have spent their lives telling their stories of love and compassion that have helped lead the movement for abolition. They will be escorting Andre from Dallas, to AUSTIN, and then on to Houston, TX.
ITINERARY FOR Sunday, May 25th (and 26th) follows: > This is on the 25th > Starting on FM-973/S Lexington St about 9am > Continue to follow FM-973 7.3 miles > Turn right at FM-969 W3.9 miles > Continue on E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd 3.9 miles > Turn left at I-35 N 0.6 miles > Turn right at E 11th St 0.6 miles > Turn left at Colorado St 328 feet Governor's Mansion. 16 miles
Schedule > May 25th - Austin. people will gather to walk the last miles of the Walk to the Governor mansion. Will be joined by Shujaa Graham exonerated death row prisoner and Bill Pelke murder victim family member of The Journey of Hope. > May 26th - Austin. protest in front of the State Capitol. > May 30th - Houston. "Tour" in schools and hip hop venues to speak with kids. Organized by Dave Atwood and his peopleMay 31st - Huntsville - Vigil in front of the Death House. Time will be around 2pm. > June 1st Live on KDOL Radio Livingston, Texas
Re: New Mexico WALK FOR LIFE!! « Reply #28 on Jun 1, 2008, 5:19pm »
New Mexico Walk 4 Life
Capital "X" will be walking in New Mexico. June 14th @ 12 pm (noon) Rally to be held at the Civic Plaza in Albuquerque, NM.
June 15th @ 10am Walk and Rally being held in Santa Fe, NM. They will be meeting at the state capital and walking to the penitentiary. Approx 12 miles, but if this is a bit much for anyone, consider walking and riding.
If you have any questions contact Christy; christyntruman06@aol.com ( 505 ) 299 - 2795
Re: Walking for Dead Men « Reply #29 on Jun 12, 2008, 7:31pm »
Walking for Dead Men
Capital X takes anti-death-penalty raptivisim to the roads.
If weaning yourself off gas hurts, you can follow Capital X’s lead: Walk it off.
Andre Latallade clocks approximately 650 miles to a single pair of Nike Air Jordans. That’s calculated with combined highway and access walking and city-stepping.
The anti-death-penalty “raptivist,” who performs under the name Capital X, has burnt through the soles of three pairs of Nike Airs since March 31, 2008, the day he marched out of Trenton, NJ, down US Route 1 to Washington, DC.
That was only the beginning of what was originally meant to be a 1,700-mile journey to Texas. When Latallade stomps into Santa Fe on June 15, he’ll be pushing 3,000 miles.
As he walks, Latallade lapses into a meditative state, a prayer zone inhabited by thoughts of Cleve “Sarge” Forster and his other death row brothers for whom the trek is dedicated.
But there’s one thing sure to rip him from his trance: The stench of gasoline. No offense to Tupelo, Miss., Latallade says, but that city was the worst.
“It was just like big clouds of smoke, almost like that Cheech & Chong movie, ” Latallade tells SFR in phone interview from Livingston, Texas, home of the nation’s busiest death row. “And after walking on a nice country road, where you’re getting that fresh air, you walk onto the property of a gas station and get a snootful of gas from the tanks—it’s more like a triple shot compared to a cup of the regular joe. It’s nasty.”
By the time Andre Latallade walked into Tupelo, Miss., the most polluted city on his cross-country route, he’d already logged more than 1,000 miles for his cause. The rising gas prices at each station along his route also were unsettling. On day one, a gallon of gas in Trenton would have cost Latallade $3.18. In DC, five days later, the stations were broadcasting prices 30 cents higher. The families of Texas death row inmates in Livingston will likely be paying more than $4 when Latallade leaves.
The price will be even steeper when he rolls into New Mexico. Had he driven the journey in, say, a Hyundai Santa Fe instead of walking, it would have cost him somewhere around $450—more than 2½ times what it would have cost in 2001, when Latallade was released from prison after serving his own eight-year sentence on drug and aggravated assault charges.
“It was definitely strange,” Latallade says. “A number of times I thought about how much money I was saving as the gas prices kept going higher and higher and higher as I was walking.”
Of course, considering the price of name-brand sneakers, Latallabe probably wouldn’t be saving more than $20 or so per pair, except that supporters along the journey have been donating footwear to his anti-death-penalty cause. Two men currently sit on New Mexico’s death row, and a third, former New Mexican Karl Chamberlain, is scheduled for executed in Texas on June 11.
It’s hard to say what will come first, the abolition of capital punishment or a road map to a new American energy culture. One thing Latallade can attest to is what a world would be like without cars.
“I felt out of place on those long stretches where there were no stores, no gas stations, when it was just me and the road,” Latallade says. “When the occasional car passed, I actually felt like they were invading my space, not that I was invading theirs.”
But he certainly appreciated the honks of encouragement.
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I will be there in spirit though. Andre did tell me he hopes to visit Australia one day soon... so I will look forward to that meeting.
