Dead Man Walking: Art, Adaptation, Activism

Sister Helen Prejean, the nation’s foremost death penalty opponent, joins Catherine Anyango Grünewald and Rose Vines, the illustrator and author of a new graphic edition of her award-winning memoir, for a discussion about capital punishment, social justice, and the power of story.

The 2025 release of a graphic edition of Sister Helen’s 1993 memoir, Dead Man Walking, plus the 25th anniversary of the opera based on her book prompt questions about why this account retains such a hold on our creative imagination. The power of this story endures even as the death penalty continues to be practiced.

David Gibson, director of the Center on Religion and Culture, will moderate the discussion with the panelists and the audience.

Free books to all attendees. Sister Helen and Catherine Anyango Grünewald and Rose Vines will be available to sign books following the event.