Sometimes the facts of the crime are so distracting - there's been some tragic murder or horrific incident, and people aren't required to think as carefully and thoughtfully, and directly, about this legacy of racial inequality and structural poverty. And what it's contributing to these wrongful convictions.

There were people in the South who were ardently opposed to slavery. And maybe, if we get into truth and reconciliation, those will be the people we want to name schools and streets after.

I think hopelessness is the enemy of justice.

My parents, who grew up in terror and dealt with segregation and humiliation, nonetheless taught us to be hopeful and open and loving and not hateful toward anyone.

The death penalty symbolizes whom we fear and don't fear, whom we care about and whose lives are not valid.

Are you the sum total of your worst acts?

I have to get comfortable with resistance, and even sometimes with hostility.