Socialism 2026: Full Schedule

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10:00am CDT

The Roots of Punishment, The Seeds of Abolition: Organizing Against State Violence From the Ground Up

Monday September 7, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am CDT

This panel examines the throughline from slavery, lynching, and incarceration to the modern death penalty. Featuring organizers working across the South, it centers impacted leadership, abolitionist strategy, coalition building, and collective care. Participants will leave with historical framing and practical tools to build durable movements against state violence.

Speakers

ML Smith

ML Smith is the Founder/Director of Missouri Justice Coalition, and an international abolitionist and organizer for the rights of incarcerated persons.

Tiara Cooper

Tiara Cooper is the Executive Director of “In Defense of Black Lives,” and an organizer with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF).

Furonda Brasfield

Furonda Brasfield is the Director of Leadership Development at the US Campaign to End the Death Penalty and Coordinator of the Leaders of Color in the Death Penalty.

Sponsors

U.S. Campaign to Abolish the Death Penalty

Monday September 7, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
TBA

Abolition

Socialism 2026

10:00am CDT

ML Smith

Tiara Cooper

Furonda Brasfield

U.S. Campaign to Abolish the Death Penalty

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