Freelance Project. RE: Troy Davis Teach-In

I had the honor of linking with a great organization: Campaign to End the Death Penalty. They have been heavily involved in the movements to free Mumia Abu-Jamal, and more recently, Troy Anthony Davis. Both men have served on Death Row in spite of overwhelming evidence they didn't commit the crimes they're being punished for. I'm glad I was able to use my skills as a writer to help contribute a press release for the cause. Save the date and if you can make it, I'd love to see you there! BTW, the flyer was designed by mr. soul.

KENNESAW, GA – September 14, 2009 – The Campaign to End the Death Penalty will continue in the spirit of influencing change with a Teach-In for Troy at Kennesaw State University on Monday, September 21, 2009. The CEDP will co-sponsor the event with the Cobb County chapter of Amnesty International and Atlanta’s FTP Movement in an effort to bring awareness to Davis’ new hearing. The groups are hoping to continue the momentum of the Free Troy Movement.

Troy Davis was sentenced in 1991 for the 1989 murder of Savannah police officer, Mark MacPhail, and in spite of overwhelming evidence proving his innocence, Davis has remained on Death Row. However, with a private law firm, a bevy of support and grassroots pressure from the CEDP and other groups with an interest on judicial fairness, Davis stands to see the day that justice prevails.

The September 21st Teach-In for Troy will be ushered in by a Free Troy! Rally & Concert featuring socio-political performers. Along with an informational lecture given by a member of CEDP, Troy Davis will be answering questions via speaker and his sister, Martina Davis-Correia, will be available via computer giving insight on her brother’s case and the death penalty as a means of punishment.

On August 17, 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the federal court in Savannah to hear Davis' innocence claim. The trial had been delayed because of the abusive interpretation of the Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, which attempts to limit Death Row prisoners to one set of appeals in federal court. Although it could be several months before the Georgia Death Row inmate gets a court hearing on his claims of innocence, organizations near and far have been vocal about the injustices that surrounded the initial case.

The Free Troy! Rally & Concert will begin at 4:30pm, with the Teach-In beginning promptly at 7pm in room 1021 of the Social Science Building of KSU. Both events are open to the public and parking is free at the university after 7pm. Community residents of Kennesaw and surrounding areas are encouraged to attend.

The diverse group pulling together to make this event a success includes the many groups from the KSU community, including the Sociology Honor Students Program, African Diaspora Department and Students Association, Socialist Party Students Association, CEDP Student Association, the Political Science Department as well as the Department of First Year Programs. All student organizations have been invited to participate and CEDP is eagerly waiting for others to step up for this important cause.