Nichelle Mitchem

Join the Battle Against Breast Cancer

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is fast approaching. The month of October has been designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). It has been reported that the first NBCAM program took place in October 1985. It was a week-long event. The overarching objective of the event was to fill the information void in public communication about breast cancer.

Despite on-going cancer research, cancer still attacks 10,000,000 people per year worldwide. Annually, 1.3 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer and nearly 555,000 people will die in our nation this year alone. According to the CDC, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women.

In 2006 (the most recent year numbers are available)—

• 191,410 women were diagnosed with breast cancer.*†
• 40,820 women died from breast cancer.*†

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, aside from skin cancer.[i] Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women (after lung cancer).[ii] Although African-American women have a slightly lower incidence of breast cancer after age 40 than Caucasian women, they have a slightly higher incidence rate of breast cancer before age 40.[iii] However, African-American women are more likely to die from breast cancer at every age. Breast cancer is much less common in males; by omparison, the disease is about 100 times more common among women.[iv] According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 1,910 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among men in the United States in 2009.[v]

If you are concerned about developing breast cancer, or if you know someone who has been diagnosed with the disease, one way to deal with your concerns is to gather as much information as is available. For more information, you can visit the websites for: American Cancer Society, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , and the National Cancer Institute.

†Source: U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. United States Cancer Statistics: 1999–2006 Incidence and Mortality Web-based Report. Atlanta (GA): Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Cancer Institute; 2010. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/uscs. www.nbcam.org.

*Note: Incidence counts cover approximately 96% of the U.S. population and death counts cover 100% of the U.S. population. Use caution in comparing incidence and death counts.

Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art

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[i] www.nbcam.org

[ii] Ibid.

[iii] Ibid.

[iv] Ibid.

[v] Ibid.

Day of Rememberance: Troy Davis Lives

Today, Laura Moye, Death Penalty Abolition Campaign Director at Amnesty International, wrote that “the state of Georgia shocked the world when it took Troy Davis’ life last Wednesday. But in the wake of that outrage, the movement to end the death penalty has only grown in numbers and energy.

We have heard innumerable stories of consciousness raising and transformation.
People did not go home from the various protests despondent. Like us, they have
committed to not forgetting what happened and are emboldened, redoubling
efforts to end the callous system that has demonstrated it has no business
taking human life.

On Saturday, October 1, join us for a Day of Remembrance. Join us in
Savannah for Troy Davis’ funeral. The service is open to the public, but media
cameras will not be permitted:

October 1, 11am at “Celebration of Life Service” at the Jonesville Baptist Church
located at 5201 Montgomery St., Savannah, Georgia.

For those of you who cannot make it to Savannah, please wear an “I am Troy Davis”
t-shirt or black armband with “Not in my name” written on it and change your
Facebook profile picture to this image posted on Amnesty’s website.

Those wishing to send cards or donations to the Davis family: “I am Troy Davis,” P.O. Box 2105, Savannah, GA 31407.

Contributions to the Davis children’s college savings accounts can be made payable to Martina Correia, put “college fund” in the memo.

Flowers and plants can be sent to: Sidney A. Jones and Campbell Funeral Services
124 West Park Avenue, Savannah, GA 31401-6439. (912) 234-7226”

In her post, Laura reminds us about the importance of signing the “Not in my name” pledge.<http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/site/c.6oJCLQPAJiJUG/b.7741827/k.62FF/Not_in_my_Name_Pledge/apps/ka/ct/contactus.asp?c=6oJCLQPAJiJUG&amp;b=7741827&amp;en=dmIPI6PPJcIYLgOSLbKULiM9LvL9KmN4LtI9LqNaIAK>

“Troy Davis did not die in vain. We will make certain of that.”—Laura Moye

Sources: Amnesty International.

Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art

Troy Davis’ Execution Sparks Recommitment to Abolishing the Death Penalty

After valiant efforts to stop the execution of Troy Davis for more than two decades, late last night, more than one million people from all around the globe bid him “goodbye”.

After the execution of Troy Davis, Laura Moye at Amnesty International wrote in her action alert sent to members, “…My heart is heavy. I am sad and angry. The state of Georgia has proven what we already know. Governments cannot be trusted with the awful power over life and death… Georgia didn’t just kill Troy Davis; they killed the faith and confidence that many Georgians, Americans, and Troy Davis supporters worldwide used to have in our criminal justice system.”

It has been reported that, Troy Davis stated repeatedly that his case was about so much more than him. As a result, Troy’s words give those involved in seeking justice in the
Davis case fodder to carry on and stay committed to this fight and the larger fight to make sure there will be no more Troy Davis’ in this nation.

Because of this case, many people from both ends of the political spectrum have been made aware of the countless flaws in the criminal justice system. As was stated in the action alert by Georgians For An Alternative to the Death Penalty, “…we need you to stay awake.” As people are in the early stages of mourning the execution of Troy Davis, it has been reported that the State of Georgia has issued a warrant for another death row inmate with an execution date between October 5-October 12, 2011. Opponents of the death penalty have recommitted themselves to fight against the relentless killing machine also known as the death penalty.

“As Troy Davis wrote in a letter when he was facing execution in 2008:

… no matter what happens in the days, weeks to come, this Movement to end the
death penalty, to seek true justice, to expose a system that fails to protect the innocent must be accelerated. There are so many more Troy Davis’. This fight to end the death penalty is not won or lost through me but through our strength to move forward and save every innocent person in captivity around the globe. We need to dismantle this unjust system city by city, state by state and country by country.”

Toward that goal, I am signing Amnesty International’s pledge to fight the death
penalty and donating to the Innocence Project. If you are seeking a way to turn your disappointment over the outcome in the Troy Davis case into action, I hope that you will join me and countless others in signing the pledge and supporting the to free the
staggering number of innocent people who are currently incarcerated. With that
said, you can sign Amnesty International USA’s pledge here:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=264324&id=31297-18765278-GwkN2Yx&t=1

Further, you can donate to the Innocence Project, a nonprofit committed to fight to “free the staggering numbers of innocent people who remain incarcerated,” below:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=264322&id=31297-18765278-GwkN2Yx&t=2

Sources: Amnesty International. Georgians For An Alternative to the Death Penalty. Moveon.org.

Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art

Posted in Press Releases|Tagged Amnesty International, clemency, conservatives, correctional officer, death penalty, execution, GA Supreme Court, Georgia, Georgians For Alternatives to the Death Penalty, Laura Moye, liberals, moderates, Troy Davis, US Supreme Court, wardens

6 Prison Wardens say to Georgia “Do NOT kill Troy Davis”

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Administrator

Conservatives, liberals, as well as opponents and proponents of the death penalty have asked the Georgia Parole Board to grant Troy Davis clemency. According to Georgian’s for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, over hundred thousand (800,000) people signed a petition requesting that the Georgia Parole Board grant clemency to Troy Case. The list of persons requesting clemency for Troy Davis includes but is not limited to: Former President Jimmy Carter, The Pope, Nobel Peace Prize-winner, Desmund Tutu as well as a host of conservatives and death row proponents such as former Congressman Bob Barr. The Former FBI Director also has called for clemency for Georgia death row inmate Troy Davis.

Most recently, six wardens asked the State of Georgia NOT to kill Troy Davis. The six retired corrections officials include Dr. Allen Ault, retired Director of the Georgia Department of Corrections and former Warden of the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison where he oversaw executions for the state. According to the Law Office of the Southern Center for Human Rights, Dr. Allen Ault sent a letter to Georgia Corrections Officials and Governor Nathan Deal asking them to urge the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles to reconsider the decision they
made on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 to deny Troy Davis Clemency despite concerns about his guilt. The six wardens’ statement:

“We write to you as former wardens and corrections officials who have had direct involvement in executions. Like few others in this country, we understand that you have a job to do in carrying out the lawful orders of the judiciary. We also understand, from our own personal experiences, the awful lifelong repercussions that come from participating in the execution of prisoners. While most of the prisoners whose executions we participated in accepted responsibility for the crimes for which they were punished, some of us have also executed prisoners who maintained their innocence until the end. It is those cases that are most haunting to an executioner.

We write to you today with the overwhelming concern that an innocent person could be executed in Georgia tonight. We know the legal process has exhausted itself in the case of Troy Anthony Davis, and yet, doubt about his guilt remains. This very fact will have an irreversible and damaging impact on your staff. Many people of significant standing share these concerns, including, notably, William Sessions, Director of the FBI under President Ronald Reagan.

Living with the nightmares is something that we know from experience. No one has the right to ask a public servant to take on a lifelong sentence of nagging doubt, and for some of us, shame and guilt. Should our justice system be causing so much harm to so many people when there is an alternative?

We urge you to ask the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles to reconsider their decision. Should that fail, we urge you to unburden yourselves and your staff from the pain of participating in such a questionable execution to the extent possible by allowing any personnel so inclined to opt-out of activities related to the execution of Troy Anthony Davis. Further, we urge you to provide appropriate counseling to personnel who do choose to perform their job functions related to the execution. If we may be of assistance to you moving forward, please do not hesitate to call upon any of us.”

For the past two (2) weeks, I have posted about the Troy Davis case as his execution date (September 21, 2011 at 7:00PM) was fast approaching to encourage continued collective action to halt this travesty of justice. With that said, I ask that you please join me and the other now over one million (1,000,000) people from around the world that have asked for clemency for Troy Davis.

Below is the most recent email alert related to the Troy Davis case from Georgians For Alternatives to the Death Penalty. The email implores us to continue to take action today to ensure that Georgia does not execute an innocent man.

“Friends,

We have only hours left to stop the execution of Troy Davis. We ask allof you to stay engaged, to stay active. Keep calling on the Parole Board to reconsider its decision, and on the Chatham County(Savannah) District Attorney Larry Chisolm to do the right thing by contactingthe Chatham County’s District Attorney’s office by phone/fax: Telephone: 912-652-7308. Fax: 912-652-7328.

Continue to send a send a letter to Dr. Carlo Musso at Rainbow Medical Associates and urge him torefuse to participate in the execution of Troy Davis. Rainbow Medical Associates is the medical team that assists with Georgia’s executions.

Dr. Carlo Musso, President, and Employees
CorrectHealth
9020 Peridot Parkway
Stockbridge, GA 30281
Fax: 770-692-4754

Here is a statement issued from corrections officials cautioning against the execution of Troy Davis because “living with the nightmares is something that we know from experience.” This statement is very moving and should give the officials in the Georgia criminal justice system pause when considering death row inmates particularly Troy Anthony Davis given the facts of his case. Please forward this statement far and wide.

If you are use Twitter, please post one or all of these sample messages to help get the word out on the letter from the corrections officials:

Corrections officials urge #TroyDavis #executioners against proceeding, warn of”nightmares” http://bit.ly/r0VFQ5#TooMuchDoubt

6 Prison Wardens say to Georgia”Do not kill #TroyDavis” http://bit.ly/r0VFQ5#TooMuchDoubt

Prison wardens tell GA:”Living with the nightmares is something that we know from experience” – don’t #execute #TroyDavisbit.ly/r0VFQ5

We really appreciate the interest in coming out to support tonight. We strongly encourage you to stay in Atlanta and attend the vigil at the Capitol that the Open Door Community is leading. It is always moving and steeped in tenets of our social justice movement. The prison is going to be packed. Please stay in Atlanta (or attend a site near you) to show your support.

Here is more information about vigils being held around Georgia: http://www.gfadp.org/vigils

Thank you for taking action!”

It is my hope that you will join me and countless others around the world seeking to make sure that justice is served in the Davis Case. It is important to act now to let the state of Georgia – and the world – know that you stand by Troy Davis in his fight for justice by joining the efforts undertaken by Amnesty, NAACP, and countless other organizations to halt this injustice. This is a matter of life and death, and time is running out.

Source: Georgians For Alternatives to the Death Penalty. The Law Office of the Southern Center for Human Rights.

Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art

Not In Our Town: Hate Based Violence

Posted on September 20, 2011 by Administrator

Research indicates that thousands of people every year are victims of hate crime. For every reported case of hate violence, there are countless unreported incidents of hate based violence. The hate crime phenomenon presents complex and agonizing problems to countless communities nationwide. The problem has become more visible as federal and state officials increasingly track hate violence.

Some assert that, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s annual hate crime report offers the most comprehensive national picture currently available on the magnitude of this pressing problem. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SCLC) also monitors hate groups and other extremists throughout the United States and expose their activities. Research indicates that “…there are 932 known hate groups operating across the country, including neo-Nazis, Klansmen, white nationalists, neo-Confederates, racist skinheads, and others.” (Southern Poverty Law Center) The Southern Poverty Law Center reports that there are 28 known hate groups in the state of Pennsylvania alone. According to the research done on this phenomenon by the Southern Poverty Law Center, the number of hate groups is growing. American communities have learned that failure to address hate-based crimes can cause an isolated incident to result in widespread tension.

Hate crimes are unique because they have a special emotional and physical impact that extends beyond the original victim. Bias crimes intimidate others in the victim’s community, causing them to feel isolated, vulnerable, and unprotected by the legal system. By making members of a specific group fearful, angry and suspicious, these crimes polarize cities and damage the very fabric of our society.

While hate violence makes headlines, the positive actions of people across our nation are creating a different story. These people include but are not limited to a movement called Not In Our Town. Like other groups battling hate based violence, Not In Our Town highlights communities working together to stop hate. Not In Our Town videos and broadcasts highlight and celebrate people who have developed creative anti-bias programs and responses. The stories chronicled by Not In Our Town have served to motivate many others to develop their own innovative initiatives which overpower the hateful actions and voices in their communities. Hate violence can be eradicated with an equal amount of conscience, mind, heart, and collective action.

The non-profit sector offers information, education, and activism against hate violence. The list below contains a few of the organizations that offer resources or help communities respond to hate activities. Many of the national organizations listed below have local chapters. A brief list of national organizations battling hate based violence include but is not limited to:

National Organizations
American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee
Web: http://www.adc.org
Combats media stereotyping, defamation, and discrimination against Americans of Arab descent through legal action and education.

American Jewish Committee
Web: http://ajc.org
Published, What to Do When the Militia Comes to Town

Anti-Defamation League
Web: http://www.adl.org
Combats anti-semitism and racial supremacist ideology, published Hate Crimes Laws: A Comprehensive Guide.

Asian American Legal Defense & Education Fund
Community education, legal counseling and advocacy on behalf of victims of anti-Asian violence.

Center For Democratic Renewal
Web: http://www.thecdr.org
Published When Hate Groups Come to Town: A Handbook of Effective Community Responses.

Center for New Community
Web: http://www.newcomm.org
Publishes special reports on anti-immigrant groups.

Choosing to Participate
Web: http://www.facing.org/
Traveling exhibition featuring events in time when individuals and communities made decisions affecting the course of history.

Connect America
Points of Light Foundation
Web: http://www.pointsoflight.org/sponsors/connectamerica.cfm
Sponsors national “Join Hands Day”

Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
Web: http://www.cair-net.org
Published, Law Enforcement Official’s Guide to the Muslim Community.

NAACP
Web: http://www.naacp.org
Combats racism and fights for civil rights.
National Council of Churches
Web: http://www.ncccusa.org
Organized nationally to rebuild burnt churches in 1996.

National Gay & Lesbian Task Force
Web: http://www.thetaskforce.org
Fights hate crime; monitors attacks on civil liberties.

The National Urban League
Web: http://www.nul.org
Increasing civil rights, educational and financial opportunities for African Americans through programs and research.

Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
Web: http://www.pflag.org
Support for families of Gays and Lesbians with hundreds of local chapters.

Political Research Associates
Web: http://www.publiceye.org/
Think-tank monitoring the full spectrum of hate organizations.

Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund
Web: http://www.saldef.org/default.aspx?zone=misc.faq
Legal assistance and educational outreach for Sikh Americans. Civil rights advocacy.

Southern Poverty Law Center
Web: http://www.splcenter.org
Reports on hate crime and advances the legal rights of victims of injustice. Home of Klanwatch.)

Study Circles Resource Center
Web: http://www.studycircles.org
Helps communities and organizations begin small democratic, discussion groups that can make significant progress on difficult issues including race.)

100 Black Men of America
Web: http://www.100blackmen.org
Helps young African Americans to overcome financial and cultural obstacles through mentoring, anti-violence, education and economic development programs.

Source(s): Southern Poverty Law Center, FBI Hate Crimes Annual Report, 100 Black Men of America, American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, Study Circles Resource Center, American Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League, Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Center For Democratic Renewal, Choosing to Participate, NAACP, National Urban League, Connect America, PFLAG, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

Photo credit Microsoft Clip Art

BREAKING NEWS: Troy Davis Denied Clemency

Posted on September 20, 2011 by Administrator

Georgia’s State Board of Pardons and Paroles rejected Troy Davis’ clemency petition. As a result, Troy Davis continues to face execution on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, at 7 pm EST. As aptly stated by Laura Moye, Director, Death Penalty Abolition Campaign, Amnesty International, the action of the Georgia’s State Board of Pardons and Paroles is astounding in the face of so much doubt in the case against Troy Davis. Last week, close to a million signatures were collected requesting clemency for Troy Davis and presented to the Georgia’s State Board of Pardons and Paroles.

In response to the adverse decision made by the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Parole, Amnesty International sent an action alert asking that the public request that: the Board reconsider its decision; and demand that Chatham County (Savannah) District Attorney Larry Chisolm seek a withdrawal of the death warrant and support clemency himself.

As you may recall, Troy Davis was convicted on the basis of witness testimony – seven of the nine original witnesses have since recanted or changed their testimony. In its action alert, Amnesty reminded recipients that, “[Troy Davis] has survived three previous execution dates, because people like you kept the justice system in check! Let Georgia authorities know you oppose the death penalty for Troy Davis!” With that said, Amnesty International provides on its website opportunities to send an email to the District Attorney and the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles as well as to sign the clemency petition which has been signed by more than 800,000 to date.

The email to the District Attorney reads as follows:

“I am writing to urge you to seek a withdrawal of the death warrant against Troy Davis. He has been denied clemency by the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles despite the fact that significant doubts continue to plague his conviction. Executions when there are still substantial doubts about guilt should never be permitted to proceed, and the responsibility rests with you to ensure that does not happen in this case.

It would significantly undermine the credibility of the Georgia system of justice if an execution were carried out under such a persistent cloud of doubts about guilt. It would show a callous disregard for the very real possibility of putting an innocent person to death, and public faith Georgia’s commitment to a fair justice system would be shattered.

You have it in your power to prevent this affront to justice from happening. I urge you to call for a withdrawal of Troy Davis’ death warrant without delay.”

You can sign the email online or write a personal letter to the district attorney. Contact Information Chatham County’s District Attorney’s Office: Phone/Fax: Telephone: 912-652-7308 Fax: 912-652-7328. For further information and to take action please visit Amnesty website at http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org.

Source: Amnesty International. Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art

A Cry for Justice Heard Round the World: In a Matter of Life or Death

Posted on September 16, 2011 by Administrator

Across the nation and throughout the world, support for Troy Anthony Davis, a death
row inmate in the Georgia penal system, continues to build for his clemency. Despite the absence of any physical evidence linking him to the crime, Troy Davis was found guilty in a court of law for the shooting and killing Officer Mark Allen MacPhail in Savannah, Georgia, and sentenced to death. The Troy Davis case has been appealed all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States and has drawn both national and international attention due to lack of evidence supporting the state’s case.

After hearing the appeal in the Davis case, the United States Supreme Court ordered an unprecedented evidentiary hearing which took place in June 2010. At said evidentiary hearing, seven (7) of the nine (9) key witnesses against Mr. Davis recanted or changed
their testimony. Further, a new witness testified that his relative, not Troy Davis, shot the police officer in question. Finally, NO physical evidence links Troy Davis to the shooting of Officer MacPhail. The judge admitted at the evidentiary hearing that the case against Troy Davis was not ironclad. Nonetheless, the court found that Mr. Davis failed to prove conclusively his innocence. Following the evidentiary hearing in the Davis case, the United
States Supreme Court denied Mr. Davis’ latest appeal.

National Public Radio reported that the execution date was set in the Troy Davis for, Wednesday, September 21, 2011, the fourth time his execution has been set in four (4) years. Troy once came within two (2) hours of being put to death. Mr. Davis’ attorneys say his legal appeals are exhausted and the chances of him winning another reprieve have dwindled. The Davis case highlights many of the problems in the criminal justice system. The case also reminds us of the potentially lethal consequences which result from a
flawed criminal justice system in jurisdictions where the death penalty is permissible. From CNN to the Huffington Post, media outlets are telling the story of Troy Davis.

This week, more than six hundred and sixty (660,000) petition signatures were delivered to the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles in support of halting Troy Davis’ execution and granting him clemency. The five (5) member Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles, which meets Monday, is probably the last hope for Troy Davis, who is scheduled to be executed next week on September 21. A majority vote by the board will decide whether Davis’ sentence is commuted or if his execution will proceed.

Conservatives, Liberals, Opponents, and Proponents agree that Troy Davis should be granted clemency by the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Liberal: Former US President Jimmy Carter

“Executing Davis “risks taking the life of an innocent man and would be a grave miscarriage of justice,” said former President Jimmy Carter, a Democrat from Georgia and death penalty opponent who wrote a letter on Davis’ behalf.

We believe that in this particular case there’s enough evidence to the contrary to prevent this execution from taking place,” Carter said Tuesday.

Conservative: Former Deputy Attorney General Larry Thompson

Conservative figures have also become involved. Former Deputy Attorney General Larry
Thompson, who served under President George W. Bush, urged the pardons board to
grant Davis clemency because “it is clear now that the doubts plaguing his case can never be adequately addressed.”

Death Penalty Proponent: Former U.S. Rep. Bob Barr (former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia

And former U.S. Rep. Bob Barr (former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia and was elected to serve four terms in the United States Congress) said in a letter that “even for death penalty supporters such as myself, the level of doubt inherent in this case is troubling.””

William Sessions, former director of the FBI, a former federal judge/prosecutor

According to William S. Sessions, former director of the FBI, a former federal judge and federal prosecutor, “…when it comes to the sentence of death, there should be no room
for doubt. I believe there is no more serious crime than the murder of a law
enforcement officer who was putting his or her life on the line to protect innocent bystanders. However, justice is not done for Officer Mark Allen MacPhail Sr. if the wrong man is punished.

In 2007, the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles issued a stay of execution for Davis and took the admirable position that it would “not allow an execution to proceed in this State unless and until its members are convinced that there is no doubt as to the guilt of the accused.

Because this case continues to be permeated by doubt, the Board of Pardons and Paroles’
stance continues to be the right one. In reality, there will always be cases, including capital cases, in which doubts about guilt cannot be erased to an acceptable level of certainty. The Davis case is one of these, and it is for cases like this that executive clemency exists.

Those responsible for clemency play a vital role in ensuring our legal system
includes a measure of compassion and humanity. The death penalty should not be
carried out, and Davis’ sentence should be commuted to life.”

In response to the recent setting of the execution date for Troy Davis, this blog has sought to draw attention to: this case; the problems with the imposition of a death sentence
in a flawed criminal justice system; the need for you to act to halt this execution; and the importance for you to join the movement to abolish the death penalty.

For further information about this pressing topic, an important resource is the Death Penalty Information Center’s website. If you are interested in working to abolish the death penalty, many resources can be found on the Amnesty International website including: petitions, fact sheets, organizing materials, as well as helpful suggestions on how to get involved and take action to end the death penalty.

It is my hope that you will join me and countless others around the world seeking to make sure that justice is served in the Davis Case. It is important to act now to let the state of Georgia – and the world – know that you stand by Troy Davis in his fight for justice by joining the efforts undertaken by Amnesty and/or NAACP to halt this injustice. This is a matter of life and death, and time is running out.

Source: National Public Radio. Atlanta Journal Constitution. Amnesty International website. NAACP website. Bureau of Prisons. Death Penalty Information Center Website. http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/troy-davis-in-spotlight-1181843.html.
http://savannahnow.com/column/2011-09-14/barr-troy-davis-merits-clemency#.TnJzq9TIiuK. http://www.ajc.com/opinion/should-davis-be-executed-1181530.html.

Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art

Posted in Press Releases|Tagged clemency, Former Deputy Attorney General Larry Thompson, Former President Jimmy Carter, Former U.S. Rep. Bob Barr (former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles, Liberal, Officer Mark Allen MacPhail, police officer, Troy Davis, US Supreme Court, William Sessions

24 Hour Reality

On Wednesday, September 13, 2011, an international event led by Al Gore, former United States Vice-President/Founder and Chairman of the Climate Realty Project, was held to
highlight the climate change crisis. Al Gore encouraged people from around the world to join hands to create “24 Hours of Reality”. In the invitation for this event, Gore indicated that the overarching goal of the event is to focus the world’s attention on the scope, scale, and impact of the climate crisis facing our planet. The 24 Hours of Reality is also seeking to inspire global action to solve the climate crisis.

24 Hours of Reality began at 7 p.m. Central Time on Wednesday, September 14. It was reported that, over the course of the day, there was twenty-four (24) presentations across twenty-four (24) time zones in thirteen (13) languages and one (1) message. In the final hour at 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Gore presented.

For further information, visit the Project’s website at http://climaterealityproject.org/reminder/.

Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art. Posted in Press Releases|Tagged Nichelle Mitchem, national, news, international, Al Gore, climate change, Climate Realty Project

Celebrate, Honor, and Revere Grandparents on Sunday, September 11, 2011: National Grandparent’s Day 2011

Today, Sunday, September 11, 2011, is National Grandparent’s Day. Grandparents’ Day was founded to champion the cause of lonely elderly persons residing in nursing homes and to encourage their grandchildren to tap into the wisdom and heritage their grandparents could provide. It has grown to be a special day for all to celebrate the roles grandparents play in the family unit.

On National Grandparents’ Day, it is a great idea for grandchildren to identify favorite photos in the family albums with their grandparents. Countless joyous memories can be derived from viewing the photo albums. National Grandparent’s Day is a time to discover one’s roots and learn patience, understanding and appreciation for the elderly. National Grandparents Day is an ideal time to enhance communication between generations.

For more than thirty years, we have formally celebrated the role of grandparents in the lives of their grandchildren as a nation. In 1978, the United States Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation. Now more than ever before, we should celebrate grandparents and the expanding role they are playing in the lives of their grandchildren. Don’t forget to honor your grandparents on National Grandparents Day, Sunday, September 11th. For further information on National Grandparents Day, visit www.grandparents-day.com.

Sources: Wikipedia. www.grandparents-day.com. Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art.

September 11, 2011: National Day of Service and Rememberance

In commenting on the horror that occurred on the morning of Tuesday, September 10, 2001, President Bush proclaimed that, “Our nation was deeply wounded.” The President went on to say that, “Out of evil came good.” Sunday, September 11, 2011, marks the tenth (10) anniversary of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, when nineteen (19) suicidal terrorists highjackers crashed four (4) planes headed for New York City, New York and Washington, DC. In response to the atrocities that were committed on Tuesday, September 10, 2001 a movement grew to have good concur evil via provision of community service nationwide.

The date of September 11, 2001 will be indelibly etched in the collective memory of every
American. Upon learning of the devastation and the tremendous loss of lives, our nation gasped in horror at the senseless loss of life. On the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, two (2) planes hit the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. The third plane hit the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. The fourth plane crashed in field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Almost three thousand (3,000) people perished and countless lives are forever changed. As the President so aptly stated on this memorable day “Our nation was deeply wounded.”

“Out of evil will come good.”

“Beginning in 2002, family members who lost loved ones in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and support groups began to seek a forward-looking tribute to honor the sacrifice of those lost and pay tribute to those who rose in service in response to the tragedy. By encouraging Americans to participate in service and remembrance activities on the 9/11 anniversary, family members wanted to provide a productive and respectful way to honor those who perished and rekindle the spirit of unity and compassion that swept our nation after 9/11 to help meet the challenges we face today.

Because of their efforts to build support for this idea, September 11 has been designated a National Day of Service and Remembrance. The 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance was established into law by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act in 2009, and is consistent with President Obama’s overall call to service, United We Serve.” (Corporation for National and Community Service website).

In honor and in celebration of the almost 3000 persons that lost their lives on 9/11, please join countless persons nationwide participating in service and remembrance activities on Sunday, September 11, 2011.

Sources: Corporation for National and Community Service website. Wikipedia. Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art