Against the Execution of Troy Davis (How much is a Black man's life worth?)

Troy Davis waits to be executed for a murder he did not commit. The case against him rests on the flimsiest of evidence.

Many of us are aware of the Exonerations Project and the Center for Wrongful Convictions at Northwestern University.

Among other things, this proved what many of us have known for many years – African American men are disproportionately convicted, imprisoned and sentenced to execution.

Troy Davis’s case stands out at this time because he is scheduled for execution, because there is practically no evidence against him, and because the courts have refused to reopen his case. He was given a 30-day stay of execution, but this has already passed.

There was no murder weapon and no physical evidence to convict him. Seven of the nine witnesses against him have withdrawn their testimony, stating that they only provided it under duress.

You can read more about this at Sojourner’s Place.

See also Derrick’s Window

Converstions with Marva

So why is this case being upheld?

Why is a retrial not being granted?

Fans of TV dramas such as CSI and Law and Order would strongly object if these shows depicted such a case. No weapon, no forensic evidence. This plot does not hold together.

But this is real life. And history has shown us time and time again that Black people’s lives are not worth much.

He killed a police officer. He must be guilty, regardless of the lack of evidence.

It just seems like the same old thing to me. String another one up. Lynchings, tasings, legal, state-sponsored executions. It all amounts to the same thing. So much African blood being spilled.

Black life is not worth much.

Meanwhile, the real killer is still out there somewhere.

Black life is not worth much.

Think about Samantha Orobator, the young woman from South London who was scheduled for execution in Laos.

Black life is not worth much.

Amnesty International have called for today to be an International Day of Blogging for Action.

Black life is not worth much. Click here to email or fax Georgia’s Governor Perdue and prove that this is not true.

Black Writers and Artists, Add Your Link

I am in the process of carrying over the links from the old Nurture Success site. They will appear on various lists including

African Heritage Resources and

Writers' Resources

If you are a writer or an artist of African heritage, please join Black Books and Stuff and add your link. You can also post news of any events you are holding on this site.

You will also want to check out this list of Resources for Black Writers and Readers.

Samantha Orobator Has Seen a Lawyer

I have just heard that Samantha Orobator, the Black woman from Camberwell, South London who is being held in prison in Laos, has been allowed to see a lawyer, at last.

There were 10 Laotian high officials present, so she did not have the opportunity to discuss anything confidential. But at least they have let her see a lawyer. She was scheduled for execution but this was changed - only because she is pregnant.

Orobator is accused of heroin possession. She has been held for many months and became pregnant in prison. To read more, see: African American Political Pundit

To watch a video, see: Black Women in Europe

Endgame - The Beginning of the End of Apartheid

I was very moved and inspired by this political thriller, which depicted the true story of top secret talks held in the 1980s which led to the end of the apartheid regime in South Africa. It was recently screened on Channel 4 in the UK.

This story is not really know, even today. When most people thought a violent end to apartheid was inevitablem those who took part in these talks showed extraordinary courage, risking their lives and those of their families and friends. This is truly the courage of a few individuals in the face of danger from the group.

Click here to read my review of Engdame.

See also Nonviolent Communication.

Hatred of Black Women

What is with the hatred of Black women?

The latest victim (that we've heard about) is the London woman who was scheduled for execution in Laos. They have let her off now - at last - but only because she is pregnant!

http://www.blackvoices.com/newsarticle/_a/pregnant-woman-escapes-death-penalty-in/20090505100309990001

She got pregnant in jail. She was accused of drug trafficking, but her friends say she has never touched drugs.

A couple of years ago, there was the woman in northern Nigeria who was threatened with being stoned to death.

But before we expect others to love and appreciate us, we need to learn to love and appreciate ourselves. I am told many sistas jumped on Rihanna after her bloke (allegedly) beat her up. And look what happened when Tyson raped that young sista. So many women blamed her.

If this is how we treat each other, we can't be surprised when others abuse, exploit and oppress us. Can we?

We need to learn to love, appreciate and value ourselves and each other. Seriously, yall, this is life and death.

Check out my article on The Key to Confidence.