Stinney: An American Execution Opera Event

The Opera is coming to the FBA at noon on February 25 at Warner Norcross + Judd in Grand Rapids! The FBA is excited to partner with Opera GR and the Grand Rapids Bar Association in hosting a distinguished panel in conjunction with the world premiere of the opera, Stinney: An American Execution. George Stinney, Jr., an African American boy in South Carolina, was just 14 years old when he was executed in 1944 for the murder of two white girls. The conviction was overturned in 2014, seventy years too late, when a state court judge ruled that he had been deprived of due process and did not receive a fair trial, concluding: “I can think of no greater injustice.”

Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Patrick Miles, Jr., Tracey Brame from Cooley Law School’s Innocence Project, and composer and co-librettist Frances Pollock will examine the intersection of racial justice, law, and the artistic representation of stories like this one. There will also be musical performances. Do not miss this incredible program at noon on February 25 at Warner Norcross + Judd (150 Ottawa Ave., NW, Suite 1500, Grand Rapids, MI 49503). Thank you to Warner for hosting this very special event!

If you would like to order a boxed lunch for $15.00, please contact Melissa Rabidoux at Melissa_Rabidoux@fd.org by February 22.

If you are unable to attend in person and wish to view the event via Zoom, please contact Melissa Rabidoux at the email address above for the Zoom link.