2024 EVENT SCHEDULE
June 28th - Friday
9:00 pm to 11:30 pm - Our "Last Supper" together at the Methodist Building (100 Maryland Ave) before fasting starts. This is a catered dinner with non-alcoholic drinks provided. While everyone is welcome (including event participants, fasters, non-fasters, supporters, and any guests and friends that you want to invite), we do need to know who is attending in advance so we can order the right amount of food. Either indicate your attendance on your registration form, or email scott@abolition.org with your RSVP and number of additional guests. Notes: Donations of $10 to help cover the meal cost are welcome, but not required. Side dishes and appetizers are welcome, but not necessary. Alcohol is NOT permitted on the premises.
11:55 pm - Meet after dinner at the Supreme Court for a 12:00 am midnight opening gathering to start the fast together.
June 29th - Saturday
Marks the 52nd anniversary of the 1972 Furman v. Georgia decision in which the U.S. Supreme Court found the death penalty to be applied in an arbitrary and capricious manner.
12:01 am - Fasting officially starts, with a 30 minute opening gathering at the court to kick off the fast.
9:00 am to 9:30 am - An orientation meeting to hear more about how the vigil works, what to expect, and ways you can be involved over the next four days. Highly recommended for all participants both new and old. Location: Methodist Building, 100 Maryland Ave NE (next door to the Supreme Court).
9:30 am to 6:00 pm - Vigil outside the court, gathering petition signatures, holding signs, and handing out pamphlets. usloads of tourists just waiting for YOU to hand them some information, and possibly have a conversation! The adjacent United Methodist Building will be open the entire time for air conditioning, bathrooms and for drinks.
6:00 pm to 8:30 pm (and possibly at other times throughout the day) - Abolition Teach-In and Q&A, featuring death row exonerees, death row family members, murder victim family members, as well as leaders and organizers in the local and national abolition movement. A schedule will featured speakers will be posted in mid-June. Note that in-person presentations and discussions will also be live-streamed for remote participation. If joining remotely, watch live on our Facebook page or our YouTube channel.
June 30th - Sunday
9:00 am to 6:00 pm - Vigil outside the court, gathering petition signatures, holding signs, and handing out pamphlets. Busloads of tourists just waiting for YOU to hand them some information, and possibly have a conversation! The adjacent United Methodist Building will be open the entire time for air conditioning, bathrooms and for drinks.
6:00 pm to 8:30 pm (and possibly at other times throughout the day) - Abolition Teach-In and Q&A, featuring death row exonerees, death row family members, murder victim family members, as well as leaders and organizers in the local and national abolition movement. A schedule will featured speakers will be posted in mid-June. Note that in-person presentations and discussions will also be live-streamed for remote participation. If joining remotely, watch live on our Facebook page or our YouTube channel.
July 1st - Monday
9:00 am to 6:00 pm - Vigil outside the court, gathering petition signatures, holding signs, and handing out pamphlets. Busloads of tourists just waiting for YOU to hand them some information, and possibly have a conversation! The adjacent United Methodist Building will be open the entire time for air conditioning, bathrooms and for drinks.
9:00 am - Optional virtual event: Join Red Letter Christians for their monthly morning prayer. Register for the Zoom link here.
6:00 pm to 8:30 pm (and possibly at other times throughout the day) - Abolition Teach-In and Q&A, featuring death row exonerees, death row family members, murder victim family members, as well as leaders and organizers in the local and national abolition movement. A schedule will featured speakers will be posted in mid-June. Note that in-person presentations and discussions will also be live-streamed for remote participation. If joining remotely, watch live on our Facebook page or our YouTube channel.
8:30 pm through the next morning - The vigil and presence outside the court becomes continuous with those who choose to do so maintaining the vigil overnight on the sidewalk outside the court. Bring a sleeping bag, mat, or pillow for sidewalk comfort!
The United Methodist Building and its security personnel will remain open all night for those who need indoor nap breaks or restroom facilities.
July 2nd - Tuesday
Marks the 48th anniversary of the Supreme Court's 1976 decision in Gregg V. Georgia, in which new death penalty laws were upheld and state-sponsored prisoner killings were allowed to resume.
Early AM - Continuing from the all-night sleep-over presence
9:00 am to 6:00 pm - Vigil outside the court, gathering petition signatures, holding signs, and handing out pamphlets. Busloads of tourists just waiting for YOU to hand them some information, and possibly have a conversation! The adjacent United Methodist Building will be open the entire time for air conditioning, bathrooms and for drinks.
6:00 pm to 8:30 pm (and possibly at other times throughout the day) - Abolition Teach-In and Q&A, featuring death row exonerees, death row family members, murder victim family members, as well as leaders and organizers in the local and national abolition movement. A schedule will featured speakers will be posted in mid-June. Note that in-person presentations and discussions will also be live-streamed for remote participation. If joining remotely, watch live on our Facebook page or our YouTube channel.
12:00 Midnight - Break the fast together with a free meal outside the court. A closing circle will begin at 11:15 pm so people can share about their experiences with the group.
Participants are welcome to head out after the midnight meal (some buses and trains depart at this hour) or stay one more night in DC.
July 3rd - Wednesday
The Fast and Vigil has ended, and participants may head back home. Unless arrangements have been made in advance, no housing is available after 12:00 pm Noon.