July 12, 2026

Americans are holding vigils for Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in all parts of our country. At the one in Bridgeton, New Jersey on Friday night, one of the speakers told us that everyone dies twice. Once with the death of their body and the second with the death of their memory and works. The speaker urged us to remember Lorenzo and to spread the word of who he was and the things he accomplished in life.

His powerful words reminded me of the quote above that was written by John Steinbeck almost 100 years ago. The homes he built, the children he raised, and the friendships he cultivated will assure that Lorenzo's second death is still a long way in the future. We should all use our voices to spread his story and to push back against the agency and administration that seems to take human life for granted. I suggest reading Will Bunch's opinion piece in the Philadelphia Inquirer.