On May 11th, our program had the honor of virtually welcoming Sister Helen Prejean to the University of Oregon. Sister Helen joined students, faculty, and community members in Lillis Hall via Zoom, as she had just arrived back to Louisiana after sharing time with Richard Glossip in Oklahoma prior to his scheduled execution. She spoke to a group of over 100 attendees with high spirits following Glossip’s stay of execution, remarking that she did not even need a plane to fly back to Louisiana; her hopes and happiness carried her home.
Sister Helen inspired us all with her remarkable stories of resilience, perseverance, positivity, and passion. She discussed news and updates following her time with Glossip, thanking those who worked so tirelessly on his case. Prejean told stories of wonderful and devoted people she met through her career, and shared with us some snippets of her path to where she is today.
“I was in over my head, and it made me learn. You have to have knowledge, you have to read, and you have to be a part of a community. You can’t do it by yourself. Justice is a long haul, you don’t see overnight changes. But the gift you get is the people you meet along the way… that’s the gift that rewards us.”
Senator Michael Dembrow, who joined us online, opened the question-and-answer portion by speaking to Sister Helen about prison education in Oregon. She was excited to hear about the work we are doing here, and was happy to hear of Dembrow’s support. Sister Helen took a moment to recognize the value of Inside-Out courses, and urged the audience to take advantage of opportunities that humanize those who are incarcerated.
“Learning is what keeps you alive, and keeps fueling your heart.”
Sister Helen took time to respond to several UO students and professors as they asked questions about her line of work, the criminal justice system, and broader issues of human rights. One student asked what someone who is passionate about this work, but might not know how to get involved or make changes should do. To this, Sister Helen responded with an invitation to keep learning, keep connecting with people, and keep that fire inside you.
“How do you know you’re doing what you need to be doing? Your heart keeps firing up. As you meet people, and as you learn about this, as you wake up, and as you grab hands with the community to work for change.”
The work Sister Helen Prejean engages in is not easy. She is often with people during some of the hardest times of their lives; and yet, she still manages to lead with kindness, love, and a touch of Southern humor. We are greatly appreciative of her for making time to share her wisdom and insight with our community.
“To be awake to human rights is not darkness, it is light. You are lucky to be young and beginning to be awake. You could have spent your whole life not being awake. To be awake is a great grace. You have agency in your life, you’re not stuck behind bars, you have some agency and some freedom to do some good in the world. And that’s the light.”
Watch Sister Helen’s talk here.