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Much obliged to all Sojourner's who answered the call to action on behalf of Troy Davis on May 19. While I am very appreciative of your participation, the fact that our collective voices may stir the heart and soul of Gov. Perdue to grant clemency to a man who may well be innocent. As I wrote to AfroSpear members:

But, let us not forget that Troy is not the only one on death row in the states or throughout the world. There are those who are in favor of the death penalty and those who are not. But, everyone will agree that no individual should be put to death for a crime that he or she did not commit. On that fact we can and must all agree.

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Is the State of Georgia set to put an innocent man to death? The answer to this question is YES, unless Georgia Governor Perdue intervenes.

Troy Anthony Davis has been held on Georgia's Death Row for nearly 2 decades. Convicted of the murder of murder of Police Officer Mark MacPhail. Despite the facts that there was no physical evidence tying him to the murder, no murder weapon was found, and 7 of the 9 witnesses have recanted or contradicted their own testimony appeals to the highest state and federal courts - including the US Supreme Court - have all refused to hear or denied requests for a new trial.

Most recently, the Georgia Board of Pardon and Paroles has voted to deny clemency even though the Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, Leah Ward Sears, in a scathing dissent wrote:

If recantation testimony, either alone or supported by other evidence, shows convincingly that prior trial testimony was false, it simply defies logic and morality to hold that it must be disregarded categorically. A judge should consider the new evidence.

...The case against him consisted entirely of witness testimony...Many of these witnesses have stated that they were pressured or coerced by police. One of the two witnesses who has not recanted or contradicted testimony is Sylvester Coles, the principal alternative suspect. Nine individuals have signed affidavits implicating Sylvester Coles. Troy Davis has never had a hearing in federal court on the reliability of the witness testimony used against him.

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Sojourners! This is a reminder that Tuesday, May 19th has been designated by Amenesty International as a Global Day of Action for Troy Davis. As such, a Global Blogging Day of Action has been organized and registered with Amnesty International as an official event. To date, many of you have indicated that you will participate. In addition to the Blogging Day of Action, hundreds more are also planning to participate in the Facebook Global Day of Action.

When your post is prepared, please drop by here or on Facebook and leave your link. Let us do all that we can to let the State of Georgia know that we are watching - that the world is watching!

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and now old SjP ain't got nothin' more to say...
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS! As many Sojourners are already aware, May 19 has been designated by Amnesty Intentional as a Global Day of Action for Troy Davis. Bloggers are encouraged to participate in this call to action by writing a post on the 19th to let the State of Georgia know that the whole world is now watching as Troy's stay of execution runs out on May 15th.

If you have not done so already, there is still time to join the growing list of bloggers planning to attend the Global Blogging Day of Action for Troy Davis. This is an official event for the entire blogosphere which has been registered at Amnesty International. I hope you will decide to participate by leaving a comment on this blog. You can also sign-up on my Facebook page.

Characterized by Amnesty International as an "unacceptable travesty of justice" if in fact Troy's execution proceeds is mild when compared to the scathing dissent of the Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, Leah Ward Sears:

If recantation testimony, either alone or supported by other evidence, shows convincingly that prior trial testimony was false, it simply defies logic and morality to hold that it must be disregarded categorically. A judge should consider the new evidence.

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Amnesty International has just released plans for a Global Day of Action for Troy Davis. As I reported here, Troy's latest and last appeal for a new trial was denied and his stay of execution will expire on May 15, 2009. Amnesty International has designated May 19th for groups and individuals around the world to organize demonstrations, vigils, teach-ins or any other public event in an effort to show Georgia that the executing Troy Davis "would be an unacceptable travesty of justice." As such they are asking the assistance of all in agreement with to be both visible and as loud as possible.

In an effort to show Georgia that the whole world is watching, the Global Day of Action for Troy Davis will be marked by a rally on the Atlanta Capital Steps sponsored by Amnesty International and the NAACP. Other activities being organized throughout the globe include information tables, candlelight vigils, letter-writing campaigns, panel discussions, and public demonstrations. Suggested themes of this global initiative include: "Shout from the Rooftops" - emphasize your outrage at the injustice in this case; you could even hold a demonstration on a rooftop; and "We Are Troy Davis" – emphasize your solidarity with Troy.

I am inviting all Sojourners, who are so inclined, to participate in this Global Blogging Day of Action for Troy Davis by writing a post on May 19th. In doing so, include the graphic seen at the beginning of this post as a show of solidarity. This is an official event for the entire blogosphere which I have registered at Amnesty International. I hope you will decide to participate by leaving a comment on this blog. You can also sign-up on my Facebook page.

In the meantime, please you can urge Georgia Governor Perdue to exercise leadership on behalf of Troy Davis:

• Visiting GFADP to see what activists are doing in Georgia.
• Clergy and Religious Leaders: Add your name to our sign-on letter.
• Write a letter to the editor of your local paper. It's quick and easy using the ACLU's website. Text "TROY" to 90999 to help spread the word with your cell phone.

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While Tom is working on his latest new invention, the electric rifle, he meets an African safari master whose stories of elephant hunting sends the group off to deepest, darkest Africa. Hunting for ivory is the least of their worries, as they find out some old friends are being held hostage by the fearsome tribes of the red pygmies.

Tom invents the electric rifle, a gun which fires bolts of electricity. The electric rifle can be calibrated to different levels of range, intensity and lethality; it can shoot through solid walls without leaving a hole, and is powerful enough to kill a rampaging whale, as in their steamer trek to Africa. With the electric rifle, Tom and friends bring down elephants, rhinoceroses, and buffalo, and save their lives several times in pitched battle with the red pygmies. It also can discharge a globe of light that was described as being able to maintain itself, like ball lightning, making hunting at night much safer in the dark of Africa. In appearance, the rifle looked very much like its contemporary conventional cousins.

Fictional character, Thomas A. Swift, was the childhood hero of NASA researcher Jack Cover. So mesmerized by the adventures of Tom, Jack developed a real-life electroshock weapon designed to disrupt voluntary control of muscles in 1969; naming it after his hero: Thomas A. Swift's Electric Rifle. Today, the Thomas A. Swift's Electric Rifle, or TASER, is used by police to subdue fleeing, belligerent, or potentially dangerous subjects, often when what they consider to be a more lethal weapon would have otherwise been used.
Knowing history ofttimes puts a thing or an occurrence into a very interesting perspective. I find it particularly ironic that a fictional weapon used to bring down elephants, rhinoceroses, and buffalo, and to do battle against red pygmies is now used by police often resulting in the death of its victims. Today, it is not at all unusual to hear of yet another death by TASER electrocution. A teen-ager, a mother, a mentally impaired person, and the list of victims goes on. What was meant to subdue has turned into a deadly weapon of choice. The TASER, IMO, has become taken the place of a rope and tree so often used to subdue those who got out of line for being too uppity. Or in some cases, for sport.

I am sure that many of you will recall these words: "You just had a big-time use of force ... tased and beat the suspect of CHP pursuit, big-time" spoken by Sgt. Stacey Koon on the night of March 2, 1991. I don't recall ever hearing the terms"tased" or "tasered" before the Rodney King incident. In 2008, 72 north Americans died as a result of being TASED. And in the first 4 months of this year, 2009, 16 Americans have died as a result of 50,000 volts of electricity entiring their bodies at the hands of the police. but in 2008 72 North Americans 16 Americans - and in the first 4 months of 2009 have died so far in 2009 ... another 72 North Americans died in 2008 ... all from being tasered with a minimum of 50,000 volts of electricity from the police. Rodney King was fortunate - he lived after that brutal attack.



Sojourner's Place is committed to this 2nd Annual Day of Blogging for Justice: End TASER Torture in America. I encourage all Sojourners to sign the petition and demand congress to investigate TASER Tortue in America. to immediately.

Obliged to you for hearing me,
and now old SjP ain't got nothin' more to say...
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
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A few days ago, my good blog friend from Bent Society, left the following comment:

We have a big news story in the UK regarding Carol Thatcher (daughter of ex-UK Prime Minister) and the peculiar phenomenon of the Golliwog - which often raises its head over here. We'd very much appreciate a US response to the debate. I'm not sure if this is peculiarly a UK and Australian thing...Be warned...some of the debate may make you angry - but its not generally of the Far Right White Supremacist.

If you are like me, and not as familiar with terms and customs of the UK, I asked myself "what the hell is a Golliwog and why are folks seemingly up in arms?" So, I did some checking and what I learned was truly disgusting.

What is a Golliwog? Until recently, these creatures were sold at the Royal Gift Shop are are considered by some as the #1 most racist toy ever made. You can read about the history of the Golliwog here. But here is a brief description:

The Golliwog (originally spelled Golliwogg) is the least known of the major anti Black caricatures in the United States. Golliwogs are grotesque creatures, with very dark, often jet black skin, large white-rimmed eyes, red or white clown lips, and wild, frizzy hair.

Apparently, the daughter of former UK Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, used the term golliwog to describe a male tennis player taking part in the Australian Open tournament in Melbourne. According to CNN and the British media, Carol Thatcher used the term back stage during the filming of The One Show last week. Dismissing her comments as a "joke", the BBC fired Thatcher stating that"any language of a racist nature wholly unacceptable" while urging her to issue an unconditional apology which she declined.

Boris Johnson - the Mayor of London - came to Thatcher's defense stating that instead of being fired she should have been taken to the side and told "Listen you'e got to watch what you say and you'e got to be sensitive". Sound advise coming from a man who was forced to apologize references to "piccanninies" and "watermelon smiles" during the mayoral election last year.

The debate is raging in the UK with similar outrage we've seen in the States over racial slurs and innuendos. And then you have the all too familiar "it was a joke" and "don't be so sensitive" refutes. You can read them here, here, and here. But, one post I read put a very different spin on this issue that will surely effect all athletes of African descent who will be converging upon London for the 2012 Olympics.

In a post entitled, Boris thinks casual racism about 2012 London Olympic athletes will be OK, provided you are 'sensitive' about it, by Martin Belam writes:

In August last year Johnson accepted the Olympic flag on behalf of London.

The Olympics might often be a focus for political dissent, but they also allow people of all states, creeds, faiths and colours to participate.

Sadly, yesterday, Boris Johnson came out to say that as far as he is concerned, Londoners will be perfectly entitled during 2012 in the workplace to compare any black-skinned athletes at the games to golliwogs, just as Carol Thatcher did to a tennis player, as long as afterwards they are taken to one side and told to be a bit more 'sensitive'.

I am urging all Sojourners, if you are so inclined, to our collective voice be heard across the waters in protest and solidarity with our sisters and brothers. You can do so by writing a post about these controversial and racist creatures or by leaving a comment at anyone of the UK blogs and electronic venues discussing this issue. We know there is strength in numbers and change can come even when the status quo tries to stop it.

H/T Bent Society for the 411! I'm sounding the alarm and am encouraged that the "Americans are coming!"

Obliged to you for hearing me,
and now old SjP ain't got nothin' more to say...
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Sojourner's Place is pleased to be a participant in the 2009 National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Initiated in 2001, this is an annual community mobilization HIV testing and treatment initiative. I encourage all Sojourners to visit the NBHAAD site to learn how you too can get involved in today's events and possibly help save a life.

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is directed, planned and organized by a working group of national organizations in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The goal of this partnership is to to mobilize communities and address specific issues in regards to local epidemics and best practices that are science-based and will influence the course of HIV in Black communities across our country.

Obliged to you for hearing me,
and now old SjP ain't got nothin' more to say...
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
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Yesterday afternoon, I must admit that my attitude just wasn't right. So not right that I was really feeling full of the devil. Maybe you can relate to what I'm talking about when you get so annoyed that the only thing that you really want to do is put your hand on your hip...point your finger...roll your eye...and give the party or parties annoying you a very good and unforgettable read topped off with some choice words that only a sistah can deliver. I'm sure that there are at least a couple of folks out there who just might understand what I'm talking about.

So, needless to I say, my heart really wasn't in the right place when trying to find an inspirational message for today's post. But, you know God is Good All the Time and All the Time God is Good. And He ALWAYS has a way of putting my attitude in check. And yesterday was no different.

He first lead me to a piece written by our first President when he was 16 years old about "civility". In it, good old George presented over 100 items termed as Rules of Civility. I strongly encourage anyone feeling that civility to be difficult to define, might find an appropriate definition that may apply to everyday life.

Then after reading the rules, I found myself linking to a site entitled The Presidential Prayer Team. It took less than a minute for me to realize that what had been annoying me for the last couple of days was truly unimportant in the whole scheme of things. It became crystal clear that in the face of 2 wars, an world economy in peril, and terrorist attacks being real and present dangers that our leaders - and specifically our new President, Barack Obama - needs our help, our encouragement, and our prayers.

The Presidential Prayer Team is leading the nation in lifting up the Obama administration in during the first 100 days of his administration. I signed up and pledged to be a part of this team in an effort to "provide an extraordinary layer of support and help to our new President as he steps up to lead." I encourage all you are so inclined to also sign up HERE

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. The Bible, I Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. —The Bible, I Corinthians 13:8-11(NIV)

I truly hope that you will consider being a part of this prayer effort, because there is one thing that is for sure. We are all in this together. And while the frying pan may be pretty hot the fire is hotter.

Obliged to you for hearing me,
and now old SjP ain't got nothin' more to say...
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
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HIV/AIDS has been a global epidemic for more than 27 years. Most of today's youth have never known a world without it. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently published national HIV incidence (new infections) that showed much higher numbers that previous estimates. The time is now. Together, we can prevent the spread of this pandemic – through awareness, care, prevention, education and research.

“HIV/AIDS has now become a pandemic that has literally put the world at risk, affecting diverse populations in different ways”. –Dr. Nora Volkow, NIDA Director. Source

Of the 992,865 AIDS cases reported to the Center for Disease Control through 2006, Blacks women accounted for 40% of the total. These are the voices of Ladies of Distinction, a group of 12 African American women, living life to the fullest and living life with HIV.

Contracting the virus:
"The health department came in and escorted me to JPS, and they confined me in a room," she says, the tears now streaming. "I will never forget the day they told me." Sharon, 27 contracted HIV via a blood transfusion when she was17."If you have $20 in your pocket, are you going to spend it on entertainment or a box of condoms? For a lot of people, condoms are at the bottom of their list." Daphne Myles, executive director of the Tarrant County AIDS Interfaith Network in Fort Worth.

Before this support group, I was really depressed. felt ugly because of this disease." Karen struggles to protect her family from the stigma of her diagnosis.

"We have got to learn to love ourselves." Veronica, 36.

Prison’s revolving door:
"It’s not that all African-American men are messing around in prison, but a great majority are. I’ve seen it happen with all races." Jerry Wyatt who had HIV when he began serving a five-year sentence on drug charges in 1995.

"You have men coming out of prison who had sex with men and they’re not really gay, they’re just taking care of their sexual needs. He’s not going to practice homosexuality when he gets out of prison; he’s coming home to his wife." Vera Owens, a minister with the Minority AIDS Project in Los Angeles.

Living with HIV:
"People don’t want their employer to know they have HIV." Shannon Hilgart, associate executive director of the AIDS Outreach Center.

"The stigma of AIDS has left the nation with a generation that would rather die from the disease than admit they have it." Jasmine Burnett, development associate for the Black AIDS Institute in Los Angeles.

"I want a relationship, but I am afraid to tell him I have HIV." Karen

The preceding excerpts were taken from the article, Hit by HIV, black women reach in to cope, out to empower, by Jan Jarvis. I encourage all Sojourners to read it in its entirety. The statistics are certainly devastating...each statistic has a face...and as the numbers continue to rise the faces of this deadly virus are those of women and children of a "darker hue".

STAY INFORMED! STAY HEALTHY

Resources
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Drug abuse by any route can put a person at risk for getting HIV. This is because drug and alcohol intoxication affect judgment and can lead to unsafe sexual practices, which put people at risk for getting HIV or transmitting it to someone else. NIDA has developed the following resources to help educate, share and increase awareness of the AIDS issue.

NIDA’s Learn the Link Campaign
Learn the Link: drugs + HIV Web site and Resource
DROGAS + VIDA = Educate Web site and Resources in Español
d’cisions

Online Webisode Series
Other Campaign Materials
Drugs and HIV Resource Page

More Resources
MetroTeen AIDS
UN AIDS : The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS
Latino Commission on AIDS

AIDS.gov: The Federal government has developed a wealth of HIV/AIDS testing, prevention, treatment and research information. In addition, the following are some of the many resources you can use to help response to HIV/AIDS.

AIDS.gov blog about Using New Media Tools in Response to HIV/AIDS
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – HIV/AIDS
Finding an HIV Testing Center Near You
KNOWIT HIV Testing Text Messaging Campaign
National HIV/AIDS Awareness Days
Podcasts from AIDS.gov
Updates from AIDS.gov from Twitter

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and now old SjP ain't got nothin' more to say...

~~~ ~~~ ~~~

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Instead of eating, let us all "join hands in prayer" for

Sojourners, please do not exclude Senator McCain in your prayers; because he, too needs the grace, strength, and protection that only God can bestow. The outcome of this election is in God's Unchanging Hands and His Will will be done.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise I rise I rise.
Maya Angelou

Obliged to you for hearing me,
and now old SjP ain't got nothin' more to say...

~~~ ~~~ ~~~

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History has taught us that voices of change, reason, and conscious have often been silenced in an effort to thraught that which is considered a threat to status quo. John F. Kennedy, Malcolm, Martin Luther King, Medgar Evers, Emmitt Teal, and Robert Kennedy - all challenged the status quo and all paid the ultimate price for raising their voice. Yet, their dreams and dedication - although at the time where deferred - have brought us all to this day and this time.

With just 10 days left before E-Day, we've seen the race for the Presidency of the United States heating up in ways that were unimaginable three months ago. The verbal attacks against Senator Obama's person are not only alarming but extremely dangerous. As such, it is fitting that a day prayer and fasting has now been called for November 3rd, the day before E-Day.

I encourage all Sojourners to join me and others throughout the world in prayer and fasting for Senator Barack Obama. If you are so inclined, I'm also asking that you help me and Sojourners in spreading the word.

When: November 3, 2008

Time: Noon - 1P

Instead of eating, let us all "join hands in prayer" for:

1. The Hand of God to move in a mighty way over this election.

2. The election to be handled in a fair and honest manner and in a way that pleases God.

3. The protection of Obama and his family.

* If you are on medication and have to eat something during that time, ask God to speak to your heart and tell you what to give up.

* I am adding a 4th item to list of what to pray for and that is that the results of the election will not result in any activity or events that will further divide the citizenry of this Nation.

Thy will be done, Amen!

Obliged to you for hearing me,
and now old SjP ain't got nothin' more to say...

~~~ ~~~ ~~~

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