i_am_troy_davis_frontcoverOn September 22 and 23, 2014, two events will highlight the challenges of the Criminal Justice System for defendants, especially people of color, in our American legal system. These community conversations are timed to commemorate the third anniversary of the execution of Troy Davis.

In 1991, Davis, an African American, was convicted and sentenced to death for the 1989 shooting death of a white police officer, Mark MacPhail. Davis was executed by Georgia in September 2011, despite significant evidence of his innocence.

Both events will feature Jen Marlowe, coauthor of I Am Troy Davis, and Kimberly Davis, Troy’s sister. They will describe their experiences in the struggle to save Troy from execution. Local individuals, each with a personal experience with some aspect of the legal system, will read selections from the book.

The book and “I Am Troy Davis” t-shirts will be available for sale and signing. The events are open to the public at no charge. A free-will offering will support the college expenses of Troy’s nephew, De’Jaun Davis-Correia, son of Troy’s late sister and coauthor Martina Davis-Correia. Martina died from breast cancer two months after Troy’s execution.

The events are being sponsored by Murder Victims’ Families for Reconciliation and WNC for Death Penalty Repeal.

Book Signings

Monday, September 22 at 7 p.m.
Hosted by Land of the Sky United Church of Christ, located at Kenilworth Presbyterian Church (123 Kenilworth Rd., Asheville). Music by David LaMotte, followed by a reception and book signing. Child care provided

Tuesday, September 23 at 6 p.m.
Hosted by Burton Street Community Association, located at Burton Street Community Center (134 Burton St, Asheville). Supper and Open Mic followed by book signing.

For additional information, please contact Jean Parks at [email protected] or Noel Nickle at (828) 775-9912.