Inspiration

I look at the pictures of Troy Davis in prison and I seem a man poised, faithful, confident that his innocence will one day bring his freedom. I’ve read some of his correspondence and I’m amazed at the hope that leaps from the page, inspiring anyone who truly stop and read, or listens to them read aloud. I have conversed with his sister and heard about the constant battle she wages for Troy’s freedom. How can I not be involved? How can I not push what little resources I have to the forefront in support of Troy? Yet, my involvement through Professor Gemma Puglisi has caused some self-examination.

I have had and continue to have trials and tribulations throughout life that push me to give up. The birth of my son, the incarceration of my own father, the mental bondage that I still exist in, all conspire to halt my progress. But how can I stop? If Troy Davis, and innocent man on death row can reposition his decade plus unfounded incarceration and emit such positivity, such hope, it would be ridiculous for me to give in.

The Troy Davis case is not simply a case of the Murder of Mark McPhail. It catalyzes an internal debate concerning the way we all live. When faced with circumstances beyond our control, will we halt and exit, or patiently persevere despite enormous opposition for what we believe? Despite the lack of physical evidence, witness recantations and public outcry for his freedom Troy Davis still remains behind bars. It saddens me that his fate may be determined by procedural roadblocks, that his present incarceration may be due to ineffective national legislation, and initial arrest was unwarranted.

Professor Puglisi said that Troy intends to help at-risk youth once he gains his rightful freedom. Well, I am not at-risk, and at 23 I can no longer be considered youth- but his story, his strength his optimism has had such an impact on me that I know he will be successful in his future endeavors. And while we, the Grad 14, still rally support for his freedom through our Public Communication pursuits, I can honestly say that I have been forever affected by his candor, his veracity, though he is surrounded by forces which want his death.

-Brandon