Dear friends and supporters,

First, thank you!!!!!!  Over 7,800 of you have called, written, prayed, and shown up for our family — and for my brother.  Your compassion and conviction have carried us through this wildly intense process, and we are profoundly grateful.

Yesterday was the clemency hearing.  It was emotional, incredibly difficult, and deeply human.  Watching my brother revisit the night of the tragedy was heartbreaking.  As his sister, I could feel his pain.  As a psychiatrist, I could see him retreating internally to a safe space, fighting to stay present "in the room" (he was virtual) even as the worst trauma of his life was triggered.  After the hearing, I told him I saw his struggle.  He looked at me and said quietly, “I was back in that house. It never gets easier to think about, and I suppose it shouldn't."   

Still, he gave his best — speaking from his heart about his remorse, accountability, growth and the gifts he hopes to contribute to the world WHEN (#NameItClaimIt) he is released from prison.  

There were even a few moments that reminded us who he is — curious, thoughtful, quirky, and grounded in spirit.  

When the Chair asked what he’d been reading, he said: “Three books.  A comic book.  A graphic novel.  And *The Pentagon’s Brain* — it’s about DARPA, the United States’ defense system.”  🤯  

 They asked if he was spiritual or practiced a faith.  He said, “I’m very spiritual.  I’m not religious per se.  What other people would call God, I see in the flight of birds, the wind, and the grass.”   That was such a *Debo* moment — gentle, wise, and completely himself. <3 

So what's next? 

Right now, we’ve been asked by those close to the process to **pause all calls and emails** to the Parole Board.  This is an important part of giving them the space they need to deliberate without feeling pressured.  For now, the best way to help is through quiet strength — keep holding my brother in your thoughts, prayers, energy, and meditations.

We will be back in touch soon!   Please know that your voices have already been heard, your support has shone brightly!!!   And it has all made an incredible impact.  Let's keep that same energy going, just a little more quietly for now.

With gratitude, hope, and love,  
Nzinga on behalf of Kofi and our entire family