Rapper Capital "X" in Italy with Shujaa Graham and Bill Pelke

In the Photo CAPITAL "X" with Shujaa Graham and his wife, Marina Bortolani, Bill Pelke, Katia Rbacchi.

RAPPER CAPITAL "X " was in Italy last March 6th with formerly- sentenced to death Shujia Graham and Bill Pelke--who's grandmother Ruth Pelke was murdered by 15 year-old Paula Cooper. (Paula was put on death row and then later was sentenced to life.) They spoke to an audience with many students.

REAL SOON CAPITAL "X" will be heading across the country on his WALK 4 LIFE campaign. Will our own BILL BE WALKING with him? Stay tuned.

(the following is a translation of a translation so may be corrected soon)

CAPITAL "X" recalled during the event in Italy that it was after hearing the testimony of Bill Pelke and Shujaa Graham he himself also began his commitment against the death penalty. He stressed then and now how important it is for students to know these realities and the direct testimony of those who livedand live in contact with the death penalty.

At 16 years Capital X said he was already part of a criminal gang. When he left prison, he said, he continued to lead the same lifestyle he had before entering. He lived on the street for awhile and then was again put in prison. It was the "electric shock" of faith and decision to radically change my own and others' lives around the world that finally brought him to his senses. He said he felt then and now to spread the message of peace and hope across the world.

When in Italy ( as he has in many other places) Capital X invited youth to look with greater depth at those labled "criminals": "These are often people who have not had the chance to live like you," Capital X said in Italy, "People are frightened when they see the dealers, thieves or criminals, but do you (hold the possibility that) these people can change and becoming better people?" Can they do it without the support of you, others and (some sense of) support from society? Always remember that the prisoners need to have compassion for the opportunity to change, Capital X added.

When Capital X spoke in Italy, Bill Pelke said: '...that was a very touching speech" and noted that several students were unable to hold back tears. Pelke then recalled the image of the grandfather of Paula Cooper alone and weeping while the judge declared the death sentence: "In those eyes of disapproval and condemnation for the pain inflicted on his grandchild, I saw the eyes of my own (murdered) grandmother". Bill explained to the Italian students --as he often doesa across the world--that his grandmother ( who had been a Bible teacher to young girls) would never have wanted Paula put to death or held on death row. After reminding the students how many innocents also have been condemned to die, Bill concluded, "If you ask 'Well, what can I do?'-- (here is my) reply :'Each of us can make a difference. Iif you see an injustice, stand up and denounce it. And always remember that revenge is not the right answer --only compassion."

During that event, Shujaa spoke after Bill and gave his history including his usual vivid description of death row--as if he had lived through the terrible experience the day before. He added "I can't believe it, but...today I am here despite the American system and thanks to ... two boys and their American pressure on public opinion. " Shujia's story was very touching to the Italian students who applauded and embraced him as a brother.

Capital "X" also recited rap to the enthusiasm of allthe Italian students.

PLEASE SUPPORT Capital "X" and his campaign WALK 4 LIFE and WATCH FOR INSTALLMENTS SOON HERE ON THIS BLOG AND ALSO ON THE NATIONAL COALITION AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY http://www.ncadp.org/ Check out David Elliot's blog!