“ o all mothers, Please talk with your children, pray with your children, raise them in the right way and they won’t stray from you. Never give up that FAITH! Let them know that you trust and believe in them and that God does too…” Virginia Roberts Davis Mother of Troy Davis May 19, 1945-April 12, 2011
October 9, 1968 - September 21, 2011
Memorial Service
Friday, September 30, 2011 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
New Life Apostolic Temple Savannah, Georgia
A Celebration of Life Service Saturday, October 1, 2011 11 o’clock a.m.
Jonesville Baptist Church of the P.A.W., Inc. 5201 Montgomery Street Savannah, GA 31405 Bishop James G. Rogers, Pastor
Eulogist Reverend Doctor Raphael Warnock Senior Pastor Ebenezer Baptist Church Atlanta, Georgia Officiating Elder John P. Anderson, Sr. Senior Pastor New Life Apostolic Temple Savannah, Georgia Private Interment
t goes without saying, life can be something else. The good news is that no matter what comes our way, our God is able. God is able to keep you through all of life’s ups and downs. God is able to provide grace during the most challenging of all times. Yes, our God has kept us in the midst of it all. In penning these lines that tells a little of our brother’s story, we want you to know from the onset that words are really inadequately to express our sentiments. Just know that love kept us together. Our parents, the late Joseph L. Davis and Virginia Roberts Davis gloried in the birth of their first male child, the second of five children born to them. This blessing occurred on October 9, 1968 in Savannah, Georgia. Our mother and father were loving parents who nurtured us to always stand together. Our father taught us that life will throw curves, but how you handle what came you way is what would make or break you. He stressed that each generation should be better than the previous generation. We were somewhat sheltered, as our parents did their best to protect us from the evil of this world, yet we were told to be mindful of the things we could not control. Our mother, a gentle giant, would quietly and sternly admonish us to stay strong and trust that the truth shall always prevail, one way or the other. Her civil rights work prepared us for the days which we lived. Our family vacations kept us well rounded. We were given every opportunity to make the best out of ourselves. Now what should we say about our brother? Troy was a moma’s boy. He loved moma and moma loved him. They shared a special bond. We all shared a special relationship with our parents and were made to feel like we were the only child at times--our parents were just that attentive. Many may have forgotten, but Troy loved to dance. He
was very skillful and was a great dancer. He loved art and could draw just about anything. Troy was a good student, and was particularly good in math. Though shy, his determination to help others reflected in his desire to be a peace maker among the younger kids in the community. Troy sacrificed much of himself for the betterment of others. He cared for us in a way that is unspeakable. He gave of himself beyond measure. It was at the age of 16 that Troy proved himself as a lover of family. His love for Kim during challenging times in her life gave her the ability to beat all odds and shows us that all things are possible if you believe in yourself and others. Today, Kim walks as a shining example of God’s love and her brother’s care. Now when you speak of Lester and Ebony, just know those two became the apple of Troy’s eye. He would refer to Ebony as his “little butter ball”, though Daddy called her “Frog” as she bounced all over the place. To Lester there was nobody else that mattered besides his big brother. Troy, in Lester eyes, was the big brother that taught him the hidden secrets of the world. As the two younger siblings, Troy made it his personal mission to care for them, especially when mom and dad were not around. In the midst of life, we often encounter one thing after another. Troy had dreams of joining the United States Marine Corps, following in the path of our father, a veteran of the Korean War. But as destiny would have it, the twist in the road became several bends and a cliff. But as we were taught, we met triumph and disaster just the same. Troy kept his eyes forward and continued to hope for the best. Actually, the days as “junior deacon” at our grandfather’s church would help him to remember his faith and trust God through it all.
Our grandfather, a pentacostal minister, made a deposit in Troy’s life that would allow him to become a man of remarkable faith. Death Row could not shake Troy’s faith. Faith doesn’t always mean things will work out they should, but it does mean regardless of how it works out, God is still in control and is always worth recognizing as the Head of your life. Troy lived his faith. The faith to live is what kept all of us---the faith that taught us to continue to seek the best for others remains constant. De’Jaun emulates Troy’s quiet demeanor and compassion for people. De’Jaun embodies his uncle’s advice to always remember the good and always strive for the best. Troy often reminded De’Jaun that both his and Kiersten’s generation should be better than the previous and one way to achieve this is to always do your best. We could go on and on. But no matter our long or short our words—Our love remains the same. We all lived this death row experience – together. We did not know what to expect or when to expect the unacceptable. However; we kept our hope alive. I AM Troy Davis--That is who we are. I AM Troy Davis-- Never allow anyone to kill your spirit; and never allow your best to be in vain. I AM Troy Davis-- Open your eyes, open your mouth and extend your hand and do something to make a difference. I AM Troy Davis-- Let’s bring an end to the barbaric and inhumane treatment of our brothers and sisters.
As God would allow it, not necessarily in His perfect will, but his permission will, Wednesday, September 21, 2011 came. We found ourselves in a place of total disbelief that the inevitable was bound to happen. We made our prayers to God, embraced each other and walked that final mile of the journey started some 22 years ago. I am Troy Davis, at 11:08pm that awful hour came. I am Troy Davis, breathe left our bodies….tears filled our eyes…… but the struggle must continue. I am Troy Davis – they have only succeeded in taking my physical body because my soul belongs to God. Left to celebrate his legacy: Martina Davis-Correia, Kimberly Davis, and Ebony Davis, Shirley DavisLogan (DeWayne). Brothers: Lester Davis, Joseph Davis Jr., (Mary), Ronald Davis Sr., (Cynthia), Willie Davis, Willie Jones (Vivian). Nephew: Antone’ De’Jaun Davis-Correia and niece, Kiersten Herron. Aunts: Pamela Cooper (Elder Robert), Mollie Kelly (Bishop Ernest), Midway, GA, Mattie Bell Hazzard, Adelaide Hopkins of Savannah, GA. Uncles, Silas Frazier, Sr. and Walter Sanders, Sr. of Savannah, GA; Cousins: Valarie West (Elijah, Jr.), Vernon Frazier (Linda), LaTrena Frazier, Reginald Frazier, Toiwanna Williams, Tanisha Frazier, Yolanda Frazier, Elijah West III, Gertie Marie Lucas (Elder Jerry), Gail Frazier, Patricia King, Selma Green, Victor Lee Hopkins, Tyrone Hopkins, and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Special friend: Sharonda Johnson. Lovingly Submitted, Tina, Kim, Lester, Ebony, De’Jaun, Kiersten and family
Prelude The Processional Video Presentation Words of Grace & Greetings | Bishop James G. Rogers Presiding | Elder John P. Anderson, Sr., Pastor New Life Apostolic Temple
The Call for Divine Intervention The Opening Hymn | Glory to His Name The Prayer of Comfort | Reverend Southhall Brown, Sr. Pastor Emeritus, St. John Baptist Church Prayer Response | Give Us This Day
ear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I; Psalm 61:1-2 KJV
The Reading of Holy Scripture Old Testament | Rev. Richard Hall, Sr. 2nd Arnold Baptist Church New Testament | Rev. Nathaniel Smalls, Jr. Greater Friendship Baptist Church The Epistle | The Rev. Debra Metzger Shew, Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta
The Call for Justice Musical Selection | New Life Temple Voices of Praise & Abundant Life Fellowship Chorale of Camden, SC Litany for Justice | Sister Jackie Griffith, Savannah, GA Laura Moye, Washington, DC Earl Red, Atlanta, GA Nettie Blake, Savannah, GA
Helen Tygret, Bluffton, SC Gautam Narula, Atlanta, GA Devin Jackson, Savannah, GA Demetris Barnes, Savannah, GA
Words of Witness | Attorney Jason Ewart, Washington, DC Ledra Sullivan-Russell, St. Simons, GA Reverend Randy Loney, Columbus, GA Edward DuBose, Columbus, GA
The Call for Advocacy & Action Special Reading | Gemma Puglisi, American University Words of Reflections | Antone’ De’Jaun Davis-Correia (Nephew)
f we accept and acquiesce in the face of discrimination, we accept the responsibility ourselves and allow those responsible to salve their conscience by believing that they have our acceptance and concurrence. We should, therefore, protest openly everything... that smacks of discrimination or slander. ~Mary McLeod Bethune
Special Music | Robert Hatcher, from Sunday Best The Charge to Act | Benjamin Todd Jealous, NAACP Continuing the Fight | Larry Cox, Amnesty International Dick Gregory, Activist
The Call for Healing & Restoration Ministry of Music | Christal Brown Gibson, Charleston, SC The Eulogy | Reverend Doctor Raphael Warnock, Pastor Ebenezer Baptist Church Atlanta, Georgia Musical Response | Deitrick Haddon Words of Gratitude | Rev. Charles L. White, Jr. Farewell Address The Benediction | Rev. Cheryl Parris St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church The Recessional | New Life Temple Voices of Praise & Abundant Life Fellowship Chorale of Camden, SC
ustice is never given; it is exacted and the struggle must be continuous for freedom is never a final fact, but a continuing evolving process to higher and higher levels of human, social, economic, political and religious relationship. ~ A. Philip Randolph
Leader: Gloom covers us as we stand, not only as witnesses to a miscarriage of justice, but also to the extreme malfunction of the American judicial system that resulted in the execution of Troy Davis. People:
We pray to the Lord for the soul of Troy Davis.
Leader: A system that ignored the pleas of our country’s religious leaders, politicians and CEOs, and disregarded the protests of citizens, both home and abroad, who wanted desperately to right an original wrong. People:
We pray to the Lord for this great country.
Leader: A system that was birthed from social injustices, then forced to rebuild, and is now under the mantle of justice for all. People:
We pray to the Lord for our Judicial System.
Leader: A system that replaces God’s authority to take a life with human hands and minds. People:
We pray to the Lord for guidance.
Leader: Human minds that are flawed with perceptions that construct our own personal realities.
“ f you will protest courageously, and yet with dignity and Christian love, when the history books are written in future generations, the historians will have to pause and say, “There lived a great people who injected new meaning and dignity into the veins of civilization.” This is our challenge and our overwhelming responsibility.” ~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
People:
We pray to the Lord for the renewing of our minds.
Leader: Scripture teaches us not to ignore evil, but instead to stare at it directly, decree the virtues of the Lord and become ambassadors for change. People:
We pray to the Lord for wisdom.
Leader: Troy Davis joins others who have lost their lives, thus becoming a seed that will blossom into a tree of wisdom and knowledge for those left behind. People:
We pray to the Lord for the soul of Troy Davis.
Leader: Troy Davis is not silenced by death, but now inspires us all to do even greater works leading to true justice for all. People:
We thank the Lord for the voice of Troy Davis.
Leader: The body of Troy Davis is laid to rest but the fight for justice does not end. We pray for the justice and peace that comes from God alone to be on earth as it is in heaven. All: Although our hearts are saddened by the events and circumstances culminating on this day, we will remember Troy Davis, whose life highlights the very fabric of social injustice. When we say, “I am Troy Davis”, it means we profess that we, too, are foot soldiers, united in the army of justice, never retreating, but pressing on until victory is won. We pray to the Lord for our own souls and the soul of Troy Davis, martyr and foot soldier.
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old your head high, stick your chest out. You can make it. It gets dark sometimes, but morning comes. Keep hope alive. Don’t you surrender! Suffering breeds character, character breeds faith. In the end faith will not disappoint.” ~ Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
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s long as hope remains and meaning is preserved, the possibility of overcoming oppression stays alive.” ~ Dr. Cornel West
uman hts and H ver ig R n a m u ne ation to H joy, sadness and ic d e d d n , sister o All: r efforts a ed such emotion as I look at my u o y r fo , c and ou experien I am alive today worry about her k all of y e n v a a th h I to r t t I a this e yea I wan of you th me and of cours wn from the past o ll d a in k f , c s o s a e e b Kindn crime. becaus e has for will not ith. It is is terrible e love sh and she fa th t th s f g e y o in b t ld d n e d n e e vele innoc e is the I am mar lls me sh e world that I am te e Martina h reamed s s a th , but er ever d e to h v v e lt o r a n p e e h d v r a n s and a h he g culture on places I ve my life in m s a s s o e fr r to , p t e x h e oti lob fig ages and mbled by the em the oss the g u r g c n a la m g o lain ail fr m hu eakin at my m hand. I a I can’t even exp all, it eople sp As I look ow about and p one day see first . y you Jo kn e to rflowing ength I draw from e death p e o v h o , ly I would g n in I could o ss the str e about th erwhelm religions y heart with ov hen I try to expre t this is not a cas nd the Human m feel w gain tha Justice a that fills motion I me yet a se about e s a f c o w a o e h c is s n insurge avis, this ith and it ds my fa ut Troy D n o u b o a p e s m a c co ut I can you all b ches is is not a e th e , . s y il t lt a o a v n n e pe e pr all, I can me to the far rea see Justic ad them e r xist. take o Spirit to d I t ryday I e ur letters e ers bu o v tt y e t le u r th b u m o k spea ll of y ur war answer a I cannot hear you ally but I feel yo our I cannot , ic s destroy y phys face r u ly u o n o y o y h n e c a een tou nc imagin I cannot executio ll of you I have b , e r ld e r h o w w of the a place y and a weeks to r I am in my famil ns in the days, e , b d o m e G m e re xpose a h in hat happ ue justice, to e more you and f my fait w k o n r e a e s h tt u T a a c tr o S be o m so many to seek form but ome time and n here are penalty, T . th d s physical me but a te r e d ra fo the free through ccele d a t y n s e ll e a b lo t u r to s it o u t tivity n spir nocent m nalty is not won nt person in cap te Moveme in is e th th t , c e e e p oc rote y sta com very inn y by city, state b fails to p to end the death e t a e v th a s m syste m cit fight rd and is’. This ve forwa e this Unjust syste Troy Dav r strength to mo tl disman ou ill e need to through W . e form, I w b l a lo g u it e ir th p s around sical or ountry. is in phy ntry by c t u a o th c if d r n e a , no matt with you d n ta S ait to I can’t w announcing, REE!” be d I AM F We will Win! n a , one day IS V ce and ROY DA ” I AM T g for Justi n ti h ig F p Never Sto
Troy Letter
Am Troy Davis Presidential lips sealed, shall not say a word Thoughts imprisoned. Picket signs, aligned sidewalks Hopeful visions. Jurors replaying witness statements Judgment manipulated. Coerced eyes, reversed lies Citizens devastated. One way, no return Poisons traveled. Grim reaper, dressed in black robes, Wooden gavels. Eraser of many faces, identity taken—I am Troy Davis.
~Celia Anderson Author/Activist
t is deeply troubling to me that Georgia might proceed with (Troy Davis’) execution given the strong claims of innocence in this case. We must confront the unalterable fact that the system of capital punishment is fallible, given that it is administered by fallible human beings. The Most Reverend Desmond M. Tutu, O.M.S.G. D.D. F.K.C . Anglican Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town
ppeal - For Troy Davis on death row, Georgia (USA) What can I say, the man will be killed, years ago the state began preparations, not the first time knew what to do took many a life before him, took doctors -(until they refused) to measure the dose for lethal injection, took Governors (statesmen to explain the Why), took willing guards (many unwilling) in too many prisons -to make a captive suitable for sacrifice What can I say that has not been said, argued in stately manners at rally, legal briefs in courtrooms before judges and executioners What can I say, the lethal authority of System makes facts into strangers, kills men in warfare and execution, starves families in ghetto-liberty What can I say, How often silence is like a death -- not Death: - Let the man live! - Halt his sacrifice! (Laurence H. Ebersole, 10/24/08)
COLLAGE
“ roy is a symbol of how the presumption of innocence can be flouted” Hélène Flautre President of the sub-Committee on Human Rights at the European Parliament
ot In My Name Pledge The state of Georgia shamefully executed Troy Davis on September 21, 2011 despite serious doubts about his guilt. But Not In My Name. While a majority of the world – more than 65% of all countries – has abolished the death penalty in law or practice, the United States remains one of the top countries responsible for executing people. Not In My Name.
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Officials continue to allow this deeplyflawed, extremely arbitrary and severelybiased (both economically and racially) system to run rampant without checks, balances or concern for moral decency. Not In My Name.
Guilty or innocent every person is a human being with human rights. Executions are always wrong. I won’t stand for it. THE DEATH PENALTY MUST BE ABOLISHED. I take this pledge because human rights and human lives are on the line.
Troy said many times, “This movement began before I was born ... it must continue and grow stronger… until we abolish the death penalty once and for all.”
Ida B. Wells Burnett and Frederick Douglas, who challenged the government’s role in playing God. Because of Troy Davis, the goal of these giants is within reach.
Troy’s life story has captured the world’s attention. He stands as a symbol of a broken justice system that would kill an innocent man, of an apparatus that gives the power of life and death to human beings who are fallible, prone to error and susceptible to bias. We can take heart knowing that his passing, and the global outcry around it, will only hasten the end of the death penalty in the United States.
But we cannot give up. In Troy’s name we must keep fighting until the brutal practice of state sponsored execution is abolished. Troy’s life has sparked a movement, and we cannot relent until his mission—our mission— is completed. Today, as we celebrate Troy’s life, let us rededicate ourselves to the struggle that Troy and his family have symbolized and led around the world.
Civil rights leaders have been opposed to the death penalty since the time of visionaries like
Together, we can ensure that Troy’s death was not in vain. This must never happen again.
The Davis Family Martina Davis-Correia Kimberly Davis Lester Davis Ebony Davis NAACP National Staff Mr. Robert Rooks Ms. Jotaka Eaddy Rev. Charles L. White Logistical Coordinator Dr. Aurelio D. Givens Funeral Home Sidney A. Jones & Campbell Funeral Services “New Ideas With Old Traditional Ways” “Family owned and operated” 124 W. Park Ave. Savannah, GA 31401 912.234.7226 Funeral Program Book
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HONOR GUARDS Brian Evans Charles L. White, Jr. Demetrius Fisher Derrick Boazman Eric Wingerter Everette Thompson Johnathan Lewis Johnathan McKinney Joi Ridley
Jotaka Eaddy Kathryn Hamoudah Kirin Kennedy Laura Kagel Lorraine Jacques White Rebecca Guerra Robert Brooks Sara Totonchi Wende Gozan Brown
PALLBEARERS Anthony Corley Antonio Tyson Calvin Thomas Chris Dempsey Earl Redman Grover Thomas Jason Patterson Kenneth Roberson Terry Roberson
HONORARY PALLBEARERS Alice Walker Alistair Carmichael, MP Amy Ray (Indigo Girls) Angelique Kidjo Atlanta Bertrand Delanoë Benjamin Todd Jealous Bertis Downs Beth Wood Bianca Jagger Big Boi Bill Pelke Brian Evans Brian Kammer Chad Stokes, State Radio Chaz Guest Claire Collobert Danielle Garten Danny Glover Derrick Boazman Diann Rust-Tierney Dick Dieter Dick Gregory Dr. Bernice A. King Dr. Carroll Baltimore Ed Weir Edward Dubose Emily Saliers (Indigo Girls) Eve Ensler Everette Thompson Francois Croquette Francois Zimeray George Gresham
Gloria Steinem Harry Belafonte Herman “Skip” Mason Jason Ewart Jeff Walsh Jen Marlowe Joan Baez John Hanusz John Legend Jotaka L. Eaddy Judge Greg Mathis Kathleen Behan Kathryn Hamoudah Kim Kardashian Kim Manning-Cooper Kimora Lee Simmons Lamman Rucker Larry Cox Laura Kagel Laura Moye Lora Shain Weir Lorraine Jacques White Marc Morial Martin Luther King III Martine Aubry Mary Robinson Maya Angelou Melanie Campbell Mia Farrow Michael Stipe (R.E.M.) Mike Farrell Mike Mills (R.E.M.)
Nicolas Krameyer Nicole Bravo Pascal Le Deunff Patti Smith Peter Buck (R.E.M.) Phillip Horton Pierre Laurent Pierre Shapira Renny Cushing Rev. Al Sharpton Rev. Charles White Rev. Dr. Roslyn M. Brock Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. Richard Hughes Robert Rooks Russell Simmons Sara Totonchi Scott Turrow Sean “Diddy” Combs Sister Helen Prejean Stefan Trechsel Steve Dear Steve Earle Steve Marsh Steven Hawkins The Honorable Hank Johnson The Honorable John Lewis The Right Rev. J. Neil Alexander Tim Roth Tom Morello Wade Henderson Wende Gozan Brown
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.” The paths we walk in life have all been predestined. Each man’s purpose for living, our Savior knows before we take even a single breath. Our brother, uncle, friend, nephew and cousin, Troy Anthony Davis, was a common man sent to an unfamiliar place, divinely charged with the unspoken mandate to change a generation. His experience represents our experience, his struggle, our struggle and the revolution birthed from his life’s story must be the mandate that we, each of us, now use as a torch to light our way anew to freedom. Troy has become another symbol in the fight against social injustices. We understand that his life marks a pivotal moment in history in which minds, thoughts, and ideas have been challenged. It is essential that we remain steadfast and resolute in our war against unjust laws and the inhumane imposition of the death penalty. Our family is grateful that you have chosen to walk this journey with us - to not only share in the protests but in the celebration of his life here today. Your prayers and expressions of sympathy have served as a constant source of strength for us as we process the loss of our beloved Troy. We ask that you continue to lift our family up in prayer, as we will for you, that God in His infinite mercies will shine His grace upon us. From our hearts to yours, we say thank you! Peace and Blessings Always, The Family of Troy Davis