By Laura Kagel, Georgia Death Penalty Abolition Coordinator for Amnesty International USA
When I spoke with Troy Davis in Jackson prison in March, he talked about what he would do if the evidentiary hearing led to his release. One thing was sure, that he would add his energy to the movement to abolish the death penalty, but he also talked about how he would like to work with young people, to inspire them to lead good lives and stay out of trouble with the law. I have only spent time with this man on that one day, and a metal grate window separated us, but in his presence I had no doubts that he was someone who could have a positive impact on people’s lives.
In fact I knew that he already had. It is not just that he gave his younger sister the courage to walk again after suffering paralysis or that he has inspired his older sister to travel the world and talk herself hoarse campaigning for human rights. I keep meeting people who tell me how they heard about Troy’s case and felt moved to write to him, unsure what to expect. These people end up devoted to Troy, not because they are taking sides in a legal battle in which they have a vested interest, but because they are fascinated by the radiance and good will he projects and because he offers them true friendship.
The relationships they enter into with him, both constrained and enhanced by the old-fashioned mode of communication — letter writing — are real, and the correspondents speak of the benefits of knowing him. Troy is not someone who manipulates people outside the prison in order to advance his case. He gives a piece of himself in a sincere and remarkable manner, offering advice, thoughts, ideas, and gratitude.