OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (OK-CADP) will hold its 33rd Annual Awards Dinner and Meeting on Saturday, May 17, featuring keynote speaker Cece Jones-Davis, an award-winning faith leader, impact strategist, and social justice advocate.
Jones-Davis, recognized for her pivotal role in the #JusticeforJulius campaign, led efforts that spared Julius Jones from execution in 2021, just hours before his scheduled death. Her work continues to focus on criminal justice reform, the abolition of the death penalty, and broader issues of social justice.
The event will take place at New Covenant Christian Church, 12000 N. Rockwell, Oklahoma City, with registration beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:15 p.m. The program, which will also be available via Zoom, starts at 7 p.m.
A Legacy of Advocacy
For over 20 years, Jones-Davis has worked with national organizations and brands like Levi’s and Tampax, using her platform to raise awareness on issues ranging from criminal justice reform to menstrual equity. She also served in President Barack Obama’s administration under Ambassador Ron Kirk, the first Black U.S. Trade Representative.
Jones-Davis has earned national recognition for her work, including an Emmy nomination for a KFOR News segment on racial reconciliation, the Change.org Changemaker of the Year Award, and the Freedom and Justice Award from the Innocence Project. In 2019, OK-CADP honored her as Abolitionist of the Year.
“Cece Jones-Davis is a longtime friend to all advocates of criminal justice reform in Oklahoma,” said Rev. Don Heath, Chair of OK-CADP. “She is a dynamic speaker and draws on a wealth of experience. We are grateful that she is coming back from her home in Virginia to speak to us.”
Honoring Abolitionist Leaders
During the event featuring Cece Jones-Davis, OK-CADP will present Abolitionist Awards to community members who have made a significant impact in the fight to end the death penalty. The Phil Wahl Abolitionist of the Year Award, the Opio Toure Courageous Advocate Award, and the Lifetime Abolitionist Award will be presented.
Oklahoma has carried out 15 executions since resuming lethal injections in October 2021, following a six-year moratorium. The next execution, for death row prisoner Wendell Grissom, is scheduled for March 20.
Event Details & Ticket Information
The OK-CADP 2024 Annual Awards Dinner will be available both in person and via Zoom. Tickets are $75 for adults and $25 for students, while sponsorships and tables for eight guests are available for $600.
Tickets can be purchased online at okcadp.org. For mail orders, send checks along with guest names to: OK-CADP, P.O. Box 713, Oklahoma City, OK 73101-0713.