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Helen Prejean

Origin: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
(April 21, 1939)

Heroic Values: Achievement, Caring, Faith, Humility, Integrity, Perseverance, Selflessness, Tolerance, Vision

Background

Sister Helen Prejean dedicated her life to the poor of New Orleans. Through this committment she began writing to prisoners on death row in 1981. The first was Patrick Sonnier who asked her to visit him to act as his spiritual guide. This relationship was the basis for her first book, "Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States". The book won widespread acclaim and was a bestseller in America and around the world. In 1996 the book became a film by Tim Robbins, starring Susan Sarandon and Sean Penn.

Since the popularity of the book made her a household name, she has continued her work against the death penalty. She has witnessed executions and travelled the world speaking against killing of all kinds. She has also written a second book, "An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States".

Helen Prejean's work has been utterly selfless, dedicating her time to better the lives of others. Specifically she has been of immense help to those on death row and a spokesperson for the abolishment of the death penalty.

Sources

Wikipedia
The online encyclopedia

Official Website
Sister Prejean's online home

Moratorium Campaign
Home page

The Blog
Sister Prejean's blog