Troy will refuse last meal – National NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Jealous

Dear Friends,

This morning, our worst fears came true. Despite widespread doubt, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles upheld the decision to execute Troy Davis this Wednesday.

Still, Troy has refused to have a "last meal." He has faith his life will be spared.

In the past, his tremendous faith has been rewarded. The last time Troy faced execution, in 2008, the warden brought in what was to be his last meal. But Troy refused to eat. Looking the prison staff in their eyes, he explained this meal would not be his last. He was vindicated when he received a last minute stay. Guards still remember this as a haunting moment, one rooted in Troy’s deep faith.

Still, there is every sign the state of Georgia intends to execute Troy this time–despite calls for them to stop by everyone from the former head of the FBI, William Sessions, to former US President Jimmy Carter.

Troy has prepared himself, and to the extent anyone can, his family, for either outcome.

As he has said many times "They can take my body but not my spirit, because I have given my spirit to God."

Thus, even as we continue to call on the Board of Pardons and Parole and Savannah District Attorney Larry Chisolm to reconsider, we must be prepared for either outcome too.

Please stand with Troy and his family. Join NAACP activists around the country in an evening of solidarity, prayer and fasting on Wednesday, September 21st.

http://action.naacp.org/StandWithTroy

Ask friends to meet up. Ask your family to fast Wednesday evening in solidarity with Troy’s family and use the dinner hour to talk. Ask your faith community, if they already have a Wednesday night fellowship planned, to make time for conversation about Troy’s scheduled execution.

However you do it, please mark the 7 o’clock hour on that evening-the time of Troy’s scheduled execution-as a moment to reflect on Troy’s experience, to offer prayers for his family and that of Officer MacPhail, and to talk about what we can each do to ensure our nation never does this again.

This is a moment to rededicate ourselves to the struggle to end the death penalty and otherwise fix our nation’s broken justice system.

To honor Troy’s courage, and rededicate ourselves to the cause of justice in America, NAACP activists are asked to fast Wednesday evening. Will you join us?

http://action.naacp.org/StandWithTroy

While moments like this test the limits of our understanding, we do know the world will remember Troy’s name, and the movement against the death penalty will grow. People who thought they supported capital punishment yesterday will realize they cannot today. Because people who thought they could stand on the sidelines will realize they no longer can.

As the scorn of the world grows and the doubts within our nation grow as well, we will increasingly realize this barbarous tradition-practiced by virtually no other western nation-is inconsistent with our self image as a fair and freedom-loving society.

No, should the execution actually occur this time, Troy’s life and the fight to save it will not have been in vain – we will move forward with more allies and an even wider consensus about the urgency of our cause.

Please join your fellow activists Wednesday for an evening of prayers, fasting, reflection, and recommitment to the struggle for justice.

http://action.naacp.org/StandWithTroy

With prayers and determination,

Ben

Benjamin Todd Jealous

President and CEO
NAACP

Too Much Doubt – Kimberly Davis Troy Davis’ Sister On Troy’s Execution Date

Dear Curmilus, I have a lifetime’s worth of reasons for wanting to save my brother Troy. When I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 14, Troy left high school, signed up for night classes and started working so that he could take me to physical therapy and help my mother out financially. It was my brother’s help and reassurance through my long struggle that led me to get out of my wheelchair. He is my hero. But as you know, the state of Georgia has set an execution date for Troy on September 21st, based on supposed evidence against him that does not exist. But we believe that with God’s help, we will prevail. Will you help us to continue to fight to save his life? I need you to reach out to the Georgia Board of Pardons and Parole one last time. Click on the link to watch at the video message I recorded for the NAACP, and follow the instructions to send your letter: http://action.naacp.org/KimberlyDavis Last Thursday, Troy called to tell me he had just heard about the 660,000 petitions delivered to the Board of Pardons and Parole in his name. He was deeply moved. He told me he knew that had supporters around the world, but that he had no idea that the support was that widespread. My family is so very appreciative of the support from NAACPers like you, but the fight is not over. We cannot let up now. Twenty years ago, Troy’s conviction was based entirely on circumstantial evidence and witness testimony. In the past two decades, seven of the nine witnesses in his case have recanted their testimony or changed their stories. There was never a shred of physical evidence or DNA connecting Troy to the crime. No murder weapon has ever been found. In fact, one of the jurors recently stated that if she knew then what she knows now about the case, she would never have sentenced Troy to death. Curmilus, I know that my love for my brother is not reason enough to take him off death row. It is not reason enough to stay his execution order. But there is simply no evidence to suggest that Troy committed the crime. That’s why I am asking for help from NAACP members. You have come through for us before, and we need your help now more than ever. This Monday, September 19th, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles will meet to decide Troy’s fate. It is Troy’s last chance. Please watch my video message to the NAACP, then tell the Board to stay Troy’s execution order and grant him clemency, because there is simply too much doubt: http://action.naacp.org/KimberlyDavis Hundreds of thousands of people have already spoken out in the name of justice for Troy. On behalf of my family, I’m asking you to please add your voice today, and help us save my brother’s life. Thank you, Kimberly Davis

See related:

Troy Davis

Video: Troy Davis’ Sister Delivers A Special Message Before Georgia Board Of Pardons And Paroles

Today Troy Davis’ sister delivers a very special video message for NAACP members and supporters–just one day before Troy’s hearing before the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles. Troy has been on Death Row for the past 20 years for the murder of Savannah, GA police officer Mark MacPhail. Despite serious doubts to his guilt, Troy’s execution is scheduled for September 21. (Read more)

See related:

Troy Davis