Human Writes is a non-profit, humanitarian organisation which befriends people on death row in the USA

There are prisoners on Death Rows all over the States who are in need of help to live like a human being for the time they are here.

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In memoriam of prisoners executed in the United States

Prisoners executed in the United States in 2009

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"A small but hugely significant witness, telling someone that they are not facing death alone."
Dr. Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury

"The volunteers of Human Writes seek to hold out the hand of friendship to men and women facing the death penalty. I am pleased to encourage them in their writing"
Most Reverend and Rt Hon George L Carey, former Archbishop of Canterbury

Prisoners' artwork notelets available for sale.

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A Prisoner Testimonial : "You asked if all is well between us and are we still good friends. In one word Absolutely. Monica has come to be a very valued friend, she is patient and kind in her responses as well as quite timely and consistent. Truly she is a rare blessing in that so many come only to go shortly after. She has stayed and stayed steady."

Art and Writing From Death Row

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An Essay By Al N.

Reflections

As I sit here listening to silence, I think of men before me.

Alone - with only myself and the echoes of reflective thought, I begin to wonder if I am the only one who can feel the stillness of the quiet. Surely, if you listen close, their voices you too will hear Some of weeping, some of laughter, but all with cries of despair.

Of course there are many here with me and many more to come But, it's those before me I ponder on wondering - wondering - not who they were portrayed to be, but who they really were.

A friend once told me "If these walls could talk, oh the stories they would tell". How true for - Every life is a story and the paint on these walls is only decorative; it cannot cover the story being told - It cannot cover the sound of footsteps that lead to nowhere - It cannot hide the tears of a crying heart nor can it hide the pain, sorrow and despair.

There will come a day when I will no longer be here to feel the still quiet. But, somehow I am comforted in knowing that I will break that stillness and will no longer sit here listening to the silence of men before me, because my story will be over and I will be with them.

For now though, the quietness weighs heavy in my soul and I am alone - with only myself and the echoes of my reflective thought.

Al Nadey, California

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Human Writes Patrons

"As a journalist who has lived and worked in the United States, the horror of death row is one of the issues that never leaves you. The thread of humanity that Human Writes manages to sustain with men and women on death row is a profound contribution to keep alive the hope of life. Capital punishment is now on the retreat in America, but the numbers awaiting their fate are still very considerable. I am very honoured to have become a Patron of Human Writes and will hope to do my best to put my shoulder to the wheel".
Jon Snow Broadcaster and journalist Patron, Human Writes

"In such an inhuman system small moments of human contact make a big difference. That's why I support Human Writes and why I would encourage you to do the same."
Gary Younge, Author and US-based feature writer for the Guardian Patron, Human Writes