October 2008
October
28 - NAACP member Mattie Hick's
grandson, Alvester Sheffield III saves lives (see stories
below).
WAYCROSS JOURNAL-HERALD
Photo By SCOTT COOPER
Waycross Fire Chief David Eddins reads the Award of Valor
he is presenting to Alvester Sheffield III (third from left)
Tuesday at the city commission meeting.
City Honors A Hero,
Alvester Sheffield III
By JOHN SCOTT COOPER
Staff Writer
While most of the City Commission meeting Tuesday was spent
dealing with the issue of public drinking, a local hero was
also recognized, the city was thanked by veterans and the
commission
took action on other issues. Waycross Fire Chief David
Eddins
presented an Award of Valor to an 18-year-old man, Alvester
Sheffield III. Sheffield was credited with “going above and
beyond”
duty to save three families living in on the house from a
fire.
(see CITY, page 8)
courtesy of Waycross Journal-Herald Newspaper
TEENAGER RESCUES FAMILY OF TEN FROM RAGGING HOUSE FIRE
Personal Account of
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Reed Street fire, Waycross, Georgia
My name is Alvester
Sheffield III. I am 18 years old.
On
October 28, 2008 around 10:00 P.M. as I was leaving the home
of my ole’ band friend, Troy Reid, he spotted flames over
the trees in front of his home. We were not sure what was
happening. Through curiosity we went to see and discovered
a house on fire. The fire was gushing out of the roof of a
two story home on Reed Street. The roof was fully engulfed
in flames.
Immediately, I thought about my grandmother, Mrs. Mattie
M. Hicks (NAACP member) and my uncle Felix Hicks
of Hinesville, Georgia whose home was totaled via fire.
Hurriedly, I threw my cell phone to Troy and told him to
call 911. I took off running. I do not think I have ever
run as fast as I did. Troy says I ran like a gazelle. I
did not know if anyone was home, I knocked on the door, no
one answered. I punched the window out but was unable to
open the door due to the lock being a double keyed lock.
Then I began to shoulder the door and finally it open as a
lady came down the steps frightened by my entrance. The
lady shouted at me asking what was happening. I quickly
informed her that her house was totally in flames. I told
her to get every one out of the house. She turned and went
back up the stairs to wake up everyone up as a means to get
them and any available personal items out of the house. I
ran up the stairs to hurry everyone out. My friend Troy
told me that everyone was out. When I counted there were six
adults and four children who exited the home where they were
fast asleep. I thank God that none of us were injured. I
was on edge because of the smoke and the excitement. After
being checked by the EMS worker he said I was in shock and
winded.
The
house roof was totally on fire. The top of the house began
to fall in as the firemen arrived. Later, the top floor
began to fall. The fireman worked hard to put out the
fire.
My
friend RJ’s home suffered damages also. It was a blessing
no one was hurt because some windows were blown out due to
the heat and pressure. The residents of the home said thank
you.
I HAD
NO PLANS TO DO THIS but just reacted to the need as I
thought about my grandmother and my handicapped uncle,
Felix.
I,
Alvester Sheffield, am a senior at Ware County High School,
Waycross, Georgia. My parents are Sandra Hicks Sheffield of
Waycross, Georgia and Mr. and Mrs. Alvester Sheffield II of
Augusta, Georgia. I am the grandson of Bradley A. Hicks and
Mattie M. Hicks of Hinesville, Georgia. I am also
the nephew of Felix Hicks also of Hinesville.
Upon
graduation from high school I desire to attend college and
major in electronic and mechanical computer engineering.
E-mail ~ ssheffield08@yahoo.com
Telephone 912-285-8752 or
912-884-2697
Post Office Box 654
Waycross, Georgia 31502
Mr. Eric Thomas, Legal Redress
Chairman for the LC NAACP
was recognized for 30 years of
service to the United States Federal Government.
Congratulations Eric!
October 11 -
The Liberty County Branch of the NAACP
received numerous awards at the 66th Annual NAACP Georgia
State Convention & Civil Rights Conference in Atlanta
Georgia. The Branch received awards for the work that we
have done in the community: including the Legal Redress
Committee and Voter Registration Drives. Our president, Rev.
Liston Singletary III, received the President's Award from
State President, Mr. Edward Dubose.
September 2008
September 27- The Liberty County
NAACP Freedom Fund Gala was held, and awards were presented
to:
Congratulations to all!
See
Photo Gallery
page for photos of the Awardees.
UPDATE: Troy Davis has been granted
clemency until the U.S. Supreme Court makes their decision.
Sept. 11
- Rally to Save Troy Anthony Davis. Atlanta, GA.
Troy Davis
Finality Over
Fairness
EXECUTION DATE SET: SEPTEMBER 23 AT 7 p.m.
The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles will hold a clemency
hearing on Friday, September 12. Please join Amnesty
International and others for a rally on Thursday, September 11
to help save Troy's life!
Justice Matters: Rally to Save Troy Davis
Thursday, September 11, 2008
6 - 8 p.m.
Georgia State Capitol
(front steps on Washington St.)
Atlanta, GA
troy@aiusa.org / 404-876-5661 ext. 13
TROY DAVIS
INNOCENCE MATTERS RALLY
ATLANTA AT THE
STATE CAPITOL
CHARTERED BUS
LEAVING SAVANNAH (FREE)
12NOON ON THURSDAY
SEPTEMBER 11 RETURNING 12MIDNIGHT THIS IS A
FREE TRIP!
NATIONAL &
INTERNATIONAL PRESS, CELEBRITIES, VARIOUS CLERGY, NATIONAL AND
STATE LAWMAKERS WILL BE PRESENT CALL MARTINA ASAP IF YOU WANT
TO GO
912-231-1612 OR
912-484-0344
http://www.amnestyusa.org/death-penalty/troy-davis-finality-over-fairness/page.do?id=1011343&n1=3&n2=28&n3=1412
TAKE ACTION! Send a letter to the Georgia Board of Pardon and
Paroles
Plan a solidarity rally! Even those outside of Georgia can
show their support
Help get more support! Download the petition
Clergy members: Please sign the Clergy sign-on letter
August 2008
Dear NAACPers,
Our beloved former State Conference President
Mr. Walter C. Butler, Jr. died
yesterday (August 2, 2008) afternoon at the Henry Medical
Center. Information for final arrangements will be
forthcoming, please keep Mrs. Laura Butler and the
children/grandchildren in your prayers.
Ruth Ash, GA State Conference NAACP, Office
Manager
July 2008
July 7 Local Secretary,
Shirley Frasier
resigns due to health and family reasons.
June 2008
June 17 Local Member,
Karen Jones-Jemison received the
Senator Glenn Bryant, Grassroots Award from the Liberty County Democratic Executive
Committee at their fundraising dinner. Congratulations
Karen!
April 2008
April Local member, Renea'
Camper was placed on the Dean's List at Savannah State
University. She had two straight semesters of G.P.A's between
3.5-4.0. She was also named a SSS Scholar and awarded the
"Outstanding Academic Performance Certificate by Student
Support Services at SSU. Congratulations Renea'!
April 18 Local President Presides over GA State Conference
NAACP Economic Symposium at Morehouse University in Atlanta,
GA.
April 17 High Schools Getting Uniforms
Source: The Coastal Courier
http://www.coastalcourier.com/news/article/6675/
President Bush Signs H.R. 1593, the Second Chance Act of
2007
Room 350
Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building
Video (Windows)
Presidential Remarks
Audio
Photos
Fact Sheet: President Bush Signs Second Chance Act of 2007
10:31 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thanks for coming. I'm about to sign a piece
of legislation that will help give prisoners across America a
second chance for a better life. This bill is going to support
the caring men and women who help America's prisoners find
renewal and hope.
I can't thank the folks who care enough about a fellow
citizen to offer
their love and compassion. It's through the acts of mercy
that
compassionate Americans are making the nation a more
hopeful place, and I want to thank you all for joining us
today.
And I thank the members of Congress who have joined
us as well: Senator Arlen Specter, ranking member of the
Judiciary Committee; Chairman Joe Biden -- not of the
Judiciary Committee --
SENATOR BIDEN: Thank God. (Laughter.)
THE PRESIDENT: -- but of Foreign Relations; but a key
member of the Judiciary Committee, Senator Sam Brownback, as
well. So we've got three United States senators here and I'm
honored they are here. Members of the United States Congress:
Chairman of the House Judiciary, John Conyers, and ranking
member Lamar Smith. I want to thank you all for coming.
I appreciate very much Danny Davis joining us, as well --
bill sponsor. I want to thank Jim Sensenbrenner and Bobby
Scott and Howard Coble and Chris Cannon. All good members and
all members who worked hard to get this piece of legislation
here in a timely fashion.
I thank the Attorney General, Judge Michael Mukasey, for
joining us, as well; Elaine Chao, thank you for coming, Madam
Secretary; Rob Portman, former Director of the OMB; and all
the supporters of the Second Chance legislation. Thanks for
caring about your country, thanks for working on this piece of
legislation.
The country was built on the belief that each human being
has limitless
potential and worth. Everybody matters. We believe that
even those who have struggled with a dark past can find
brighter days ahead. One way we act on that belief is by
helping former prisoners who've paid for their crimes -- we
help them build new lives as productive members of our
society.
The work of redemption reflects our values. It also
reflects our national
interests. Each year, approximately 650,000 prisoners are
released from jail. Unfortunately, an estimated two-thirds of
them are rearrested within three years. The high recidivism
rate places a huge financial burden on taxpayers, it deprives
our labor force of productive workers, and it deprives
families of their daughters and sons, and husbands and wives,
and moms and dads.
Our government has a responsibility to help prisoners
to return as
contributing members of their community. But this does not
mean that the
government has all the answers. Some of the most important
work to help
ex-convicts is done outside of Washington, D.C., in
faith-based communities and community-based groups. It's done
on streets and small town community centers. It's done in
churches and synagogues and temples and mosques.
I like to call the folks who are engaged in this
compassionate work,
"members of the armies of compassion." They help addicts
and users
break the chains of addiction. They help former prisoners
find a ride to work and a meal to eat and place to stay. These
men and women are answering the call to love their neighbors
as they'd like to be loved themselves. And in the process,
they're helping prisoners replace anger and suffering and
despair with faith and hope and love.
The bill I'm signing today, the Second Chance Act of 2007,
will build on
work to help prisoners reclaim their lives. In other words,
it basically says:
We're standing with you, not against you.
First, the act will authorize important parts of the
administration's
Prison Re-entry Initiative. The goal of this initiative is
to help America's prisoners by expanding job training and
placement services, improving their ability to find
transitional housing, and helping newly released prisoners get
mentoring, including from faith-based groups.
The past three years, congressional appropriations have
supported the work in 20 states through a series of pilot
programs awarded to community and faith-based organizations by
the U.S. Department of Labor. The early efforts have fielded
promising results. In the first two years of the program, more
than 12,800 offenders have enrolled in the prisoner re-entry
program. More 7,900 have been placed in jobs. Only 18 percent
of those enrolled in the program have been arrested again
within a year -- that's less than half the national average.
We like to measure results, and the results of these pilot
programs are very encouraging.
With the legislation I'll sign today, Congress has
recognized the success
of this good policy, and I thank them for their good work.
Secondly, the act will support the Justice Department's
ongoing work to help our nation's prisoners. This bill will
help state and local governments, and Indian tribes, and
non-profit groups implement programs that will improve the
prisoner re-entry process.
These programs will provide further -- former prisoners
with essential
services, like housing and medical care. It will help
develop prisoner drug treatment programs; support prisoner
mentoring initiatives. It will support family counseling and
other services to help prisoners re-establish their place in
the community.
In both these ways, the Second Chance Act will live up to
its name; will help ensure that where the prisoner's spirit is
willing, the community's
resources are available. It will help our armies of
compassion use their
healing touch so lost souls can rediscover their dignity
and sense of purpose.
I recently went to a program in Baltimore, Maryland, called
Jericho. I met a man there who has kindly joined us today
named Thomas Boyd. He's 53 years old. He spent more than 20
years of his life using drugs and going back and forth to
jail. He remembers the day when his daughter sat down, looked
him in the eye and said, "Daddy, I think it's time for you to
start doing something with your life."
He took his daughter's advice. He sought out the Jericho
re-entry program, which is supported by the Re-entry
Initiative. When I visited the program, I tried to remind them
that the least shall be first. I also reminded him I was a
product of a faith-based program. I quit drinking -- and it
wasn't because of a government program. It required a little
more powerful force than a government program in my case.
And he told me that he appreciates the love and compassion
he felt -- feels on a regular basis. He's working, back with
his family; he's a good guy. And I want to thank you for
coming, Thomas. (Applause.)
I want to thank you for coming, Thomas. There's a lot of
other Thomases out there that we're going to help with this
bill. And so I thank the members of Congress for joining us.
Thanks for your hard work. I thank the members of my
administration who are going to see to it that the bill is
implemented properly.
And now it is my honor to sign this important piece of
legislation. May God bless the country, and may God bless
those who are trying to help. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
(The bill is signed.) (Applause.)
END 10:38 A.M.
EDT
April 7 Liberty County NAACP President gets Medgar Evers
Award
Rev. Singletary is one of four to receive this prestigious
award from the SE Region NAACP. The Medgar Evers Civil Rights
Leadership award is awarded to NAACP Branch President's who
exemplify sound leadership and vision. Recipients are
selected from among nominees from seven states that make up
the SE Region NAACP. The recipients must have a sound Civic
Engagement program that inform the community about their Civil
Rights, promote Voter Empowerment, provide a venue to involve
the community in the Political process by way of Town Hall
Forums, Political Forums or workshops. Also, the effective use
of the media and other outlets to effectively engage the
community is a requirement. The Liberty County NAACP not only
did this, but they surpassed the expectations. Rev.
Singletary says, "It is with a great degree of Humility
that I receive this award on behave of those with whom I labor
and those of whom I serve. God gave me this assignment, and
I shall perform it with due diligence until he call me up to
higher things. I thank God for his favor and confidence in
me. My wife and family for their steadfast love, support and
understanding, and the community that allow me to serve them."
Mercer Middle School Student Wins Best In
Class II State Social Science Fair.
There were 1st place winners and then overall Best In Class
Winners. There were Class I 5-6 grade Class II 7-8 grades and
so on they were judged by discipline and Class.
Antone' Correia was Top winner in Class II.
There was a total of 96 entries from all over the state and
the entries were phenomenal and the judges were a lot tougher.
After many had a chance to look at Antone's work, the
professors from Clayton State went over to congratulate him
and other participants and their families as well.
Antone' Correia is the son of Mrs. Martina Correia and nephew
of Troy Anthony Davis.
March 2008
Our local Secretary, Mrs.
Shirley Frasier has recently had major surgery. She is at
home convalescing. We ask for your prayers as she continues
to recuperate. Please send any cards to:
Liberty County NAACP
PO Box 2239
Hinesville, GA. 31310
E-mails
to the Secretary can be sent to the Assistant Secretary,
Mrs. Valerie Singletary at:
asstsec@libertycountynaacp.org
February 2008
Feb 10
Dear NAACP Family:
As many of you know, Rev. Charles L. White, Jr., Deputy
Director of National Field Operations has been ill for
some time and is now housed at the Atlanta Medical
Center in Atlanta, Georgia. He is expected to have
exploratory surgery on Monday or Tuesday and hopefully
from that the doctors will be able to determine why he
is ill. Please keep Rev. White in your prayers and
thoughts.
Please keep his wife, Adrienne and the family in your
prayers as well. As, they wait through the procedures.
We pray for complete healing that only God can provide.
For your convenience, we have listed the hospital
information below. Please feel free to drop him a card
or some act of kindness during this time. However, in
his best interest, please limit your phone calls.
Atlanta Medical Center
303 Parkway Drive, NE
Room #838
Atlanta, Georgia 30312
(404) 265-3521
I
will keep you abreast of any changes.
Sincerely,
Demetrius Fisher
January 2008
Jan 31 SIGN UP for the Liberty County
NAACP Gospel Festival on April 4, 2008. Click here for more
information. Gospel
Festival Information
Jan 22 NAACP District Coordinator,
Robert Hudley lost his mother,
Josephine Esthella Baker.
The Liberty County Branch of the NAACP
extends their deepest sympathy to
Mr. Hudley and his family!
Jan 21 President Liston Singletary, III
presided over the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative
Service at Bradwell Institute. Third Vice President Rev.
Alvin Jackson and member Rev. Scott also participated in the
program. The dynamic guest speaker was Rev. Deborah Neal.
Jan 14 Member,
Suerena Duval and her husband Gary, celebrated their
twenty-fourth wedding anniversary.
Congratulations Suerena and Gary!
Jan 12 Member
Curles Butler was honored with the "Employee of the Year"
award by the Liberty County Planning Commission.
Butler was chosen from employees from all seven
municipalities in Liberty County.
Congratulations Curles!
Jan 13 The Trumpet
Awards Foundation (saluting African-American
Achievement) honored one of our Life Members,
the Honorable Al Williams,
with the "Tower of Power Award" at the
2008 Trumpet Awards Ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia. Williams is
the State Representative for the 165th House District of Georgia and
serves as Chairman of the Georgia Legislative Black
Caucus. Congratulations Al!
Jan 10 Career Fair
11:00am to 3:00pm, Sans Hotel and Suites, 726 East Oglethorpe
Hwy., Hinesville (see
flyer for detailed information)
December 2007
Dec 29 The City of Hinesville held it's
Inauguration Ceremony for the new Mayor,
James "Jim" Thomas and City Council Members, including David
Anderson and Charles Fraiser. The event was witnessed
by a standing room only crowd. Congratulations to Thomas,
Anderson and Fraiser!
Dec 26 Armed Services & Veterans Affairs
Chair Arthur Nixon and his wife Barbara welcomed
Destiny Nicole Nixon to the world
at 3:14pm. Her stats: 7lbs, 9.3oz. Congratulations Nixon Family!
Dec 15
Rally for Justice,
Sat., Dec. 15 2007, 1:30pm.,Conner's Temple Baptist Church
(Corner of MLK & Gwinett) Savannah, GA. In Support of Justice
for Troy Anthony Davis, hosted by Georgia State Conference
NAACP
Dec 4
Member, James "Jim" Thomas was elected Mayor of Hinesville.
Jim is the first African-American elected mayor in the City of
Hinesville. David Anderson and Charles Frasier were re-elected
to their seats on the City Council. Anderson is
serving his third term and Frasier is serving his sixth term.
Congratulations Jim, David & Charles!
Members, William "Bill"
Austin and Chris Stacy were elected to serve the citizens of
the City of Riceboro. The New Mayor Austin and Councilman
Stacy are both serving their first terms. Congratulations
Bill and Chris!
November 2007
Update on Prison Sentencing from the Prison Committee
As of November 1, 2007, the
amendments promulgated by the Sentencing Commission and
submitted to Congress on May 1, 2007, are effective. The
Sentencing Commission conducted a public hearing on
retroactivity of the new amendments. Any results of the
November 13, 2007, hearing is expected to be announced in
April 2008. For more information please go to
www.ussc.gov.
The committee will continue to monitor and advise the
chapter whether the amendment will apply retroactively, to
offenders who have already been sentenced. If made
retroactive, can effect 19,000 or more person in prison
now.
Old Sentence
New Sentence Difference
between old and new
63 to 78
51 to 63 12 to
15
121 to 151
97 to 121 24 to
30
Nov 20 For
the third year in a row, Target has refused to participate in
the NAACP's annual survey on the state of diversity in
corporate America, making them the largest retailer to refuse
to answer questions about their company's diversity practices.
Last
week, thousands of NAACP supporters like you helped send a
clear message to Target that economic opportunity for African
Americans must be a priority.
Now,
as we enter the holiday shopping season, we need you to help
us turn up the heat on Target. We need 100,000 people to sign
the petition telling Target to Answer the Question.
If
you haven't yet done so, you can click here
Petition
to sign the petition.
If
you've already signed the petition, please help us reach our
goal by telling some friends about it.
Tell A Friend
African Americans contribute over $700 billion a year to the
US economy, and deserve fairness and transparency from the
companies that benefit from our hard-earned dollars.
Tell
Target to clarify its position on economic opportunity for
African Americans by answering the NAACP's survey and
supporting the Economic Reciprocity Initiative.
Petition
Economic empowerment isn't just a financial issue, it's a
civil rights issue.
Sincerely,
Dennis Courtland Hayes
Interim President & CEO
NAACP National Headquarters
Nov 17 Communications,
Press & Publicity Chair, W. Renea' Camper was honored at the
GASSP Awards Banquet in Atlanta, GA.
Ms. Camper represented Savannah State University. Her essay
won 1st Place among participants from nine other colleges and
universities. Ms. Camper was also awarded 2 scholarships: 2007
GASSP Scholarship and the 2006-2007 Savannah State University
Hill Hall Academic Scholarship (4.0 GPA).
Congratulations Renea'
Camper!
Nov 5 The NAACP District 14 Coordinator,
McIntosh County NAACP President Mr. Robert Hudley, conducted a
special presentation at the Liberty County NAACP General
Membership Meeting.
Mr.
Hudley presented the plaque to the Branch President and
Members and reiterated the importance of the
Julius C. Hope Award,
that was previously awarded to the Branch at the Georgia State
Conference Convention (67th Annual Civil Rights Advocacy
Conference and State Convention) of the NAACP on October 5,
2007 in Clayton County, GA.
Nov 2
The 10th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet of
the McIntosh County Branch of NAACP will be held on November
3, 2007 at 7:00 o’clock p.m., at the Senior
Citizens Center in Eulonia, GA.
The
Revered Dr. Francys Johnson
of Statesboro, GA will be the keynote speaker.
Tickets are $30.00 for adults and $15.00 for children. For
tickets you can call Robert E. Hudley
at 437-4309.
October 2007
Oct 26 Local Newspaper
Writer/Reporter Receives Liberty County NAACP
President's Award
On the evening of October 26th,
Ms. Andrea Washington
was honored with the
Liberty County NAACP President's Award for her
volunteerism with the Liberty County Branch.
Though Ms. Washington is not a member, she has
served as a panelist in 2 political forums and the
State of the Community Forum. Her service to the
branch has been outstanding.
Andrea Washington is a staff writer
and web reporter for the Coastal Courier. She joined
the newspaper in June 2006 after stints as an intern
and a freelancer.
Washington began her career in
journalism as a 10th grade student when an opinion
piece she wrote for an English assignment about the
Elian Gonzalez case was published in an independent
newspaper. As a high school senior, she was the
editor of the school newspaper, as well as a
reporter and head writer of the weekly news
broadcast.
While attending Georgia State
University, Washington worked as a world news and
living reporter for the GSU Signal and an arts and
entertainment reporter for the student online
magazine, Rampway. Additionally, she wrote,
directed, produced and edited a number of short
documentaries on issues such as first-generation
Americans and globalization. She also worked on the
2005 24 Hour Film Festival award-winning short film,
"Judgement," as a script supervisor.
At the Courier, Washington combines
her background in cross-media platforms to cover
political, health, social, military and
education/youth issues throughout Liberty County.
She is also a co-advisor for the newspaper's Youth
Advisory Council.
Having spent most of her life
traveling from state to state and country to country
as an Army brat, Washington has a special interest
in international affairs and human rights issues.
Washington graduated magna cum laude
from Georgia State University with a bachelor's
degree in film and video and a minor in journalism.
Congratulations
Ms. Washington!
Oct 26
Genarlow Wilson
rejoices over his release
Georgia Supreme Court rules
his sentence was cruel and unusual
Source: By
TAMMY JOYNER
The Atlanta
Journal-Constitution
Published on: 10/26/07
FORSYTH, Ga. — Two prison guards
escorted him from the Burruss Correctional Training
Center here. Wilson shook their hands, broke into a
wide grin, hugged his mother, Juannessa Bennett, and
then picked up his little sister, Jiaya, 9, and held
her.
Just hours earlier, the Georgia
Supreme Court had ordered his release, calling his
10-year prison sentence "cruel and unusual
punishment" under the state and federal
constitutions.
|
Rich
Addicks/AJC |
Genarlow
Wilson was released from the Burruss
Correctional Training Facility Friday. Waiting
for him was his mother, Juannessa Bennett, and
his sister Jiaya. Two prison guards who escorted
him out of prison stood nearby.
|
|
W.A.
Bridges Jr./ AJC |
Genarlow
Wilson stands outside the Burrus Correctional
Training Center earlier this year.
|
With his mother and attorney by
his side, Wilson told reporters he harbored no
bitterness and still believes in the justice system
— especially now that he's been freed.
"I was waiting to see it for
myself before I took anyone else's word for it,"
Wilson, now 21, said of his release. "It felt unreal
just to sign the papers to actually let me know I
was leaving."
Wilson's four-year legal odyssey
has inflamed racial tensions in Georgia while
capturing the nation's attention.
Black civil rights leaders alleged
race and class have been at play in the case, which
sparked protest marches and demonstrations in
Douglasville, where Wilson was prosecuted. Douglas
County prosecutors, meanwhile, have vehemently
denied race played a role, noting all the defendants
and victims in the case are black.
The case stems from a drug- and
alcohol-fueled New Year's Eve party Wilson attended
at a Douglasville hotel in 2003. Wilson was charged
with raping a 17-year-old girl at the party, but was
acquitted. He was ultimately found guilty of felony
aggravated child molestation for receiving oral sex
from the 15-year-old girl, a crime that carried a
minimum 10-year prison sentence under state law at
the time.
Four other male youths at the
party pleaded guilty to child molestation of the
15-year-old and sexual battery of the 17-year-old. A
fifth pleaded guilty to false imprisonment. Their
party was captured on a profanity-laden and sexually
graphic video filmed by one of the male youths.
Since Wilson's conviction, the
former Republican state lawmaker who authored the
state Child Protection Act in 1995 has repeatedly
insisted it was never his intent to lock up
teenagers involved in consensual sex acts. Last
year, the Legislature changed the law to make
similar acts a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12
months in prison.
The Supreme Court noted that legal
change in the 48-page opinion it issued in Wilson's
case Friday morning: "For the law to punish Wilson
as it would an adult, with the extraordinarily harsh
punishment of ten years in prison without the
possibility of probation or parole, appears to be
grossly disproportionate to his crime," wrote Chief
Justice Leah Ward Sears, who sided with the majority
in the court's 4-3 decision in favor of freeing
Wilson.
In ruling Friday, the Supreme
Court upheld the June 11 decision of Monroe County
Superior Court Judge Thomas Wilson, who ordered
Wilson freed from prison. Judge Wilson, no relation
to Genarlow Wilson, also ordered his felony
conviction reduced to a misdemeanor. But the Supreme
Court said the judge erred in resentencing Wilson
"for a misdemeanor crime that didn't exist when the
conduct in question occurred." The court said Judge
Wilson should instead set aside Wilson's sentence
altogether. Judge Wilson did not respond to a
message left at his office Friday.
Veda Cannon, the mother of the
15-year-old girl in Wilson's case, declined to
comment. But in an interview in June, Cannon said
Wilson should never have been criminally charged and
imprisoned for receiving oral sex from her daughter.
Cannon said the sex between her daughter, Wilson and
the four other teens was consensual and regrets she
didn't ask prosecutors not to charge them. Critics
have pointed out, however, that the age of consent
in Georgia is 16.
Cannon's daughter, now 19, has
declined requests for interviews about the case. She
graduated from high school before joining the Navy
to pursue a career in nursing, her mother said. She
has a 2-year-old son, Cannon said.
Douglas County District Attorney
David McDade, whose office prosecuted Wilson, issued
a statement Friday, saying "while I respectfully may
disagree with the court's decision, I also must
respect their authority as the final arbiter in this
case."
Attorney General Thurbert Baker,
who had appealed Judge Wilson's decision to the
Supreme Court, also issued a statement Friday.
"I hope the court's decision will
also put an end to this issue as a matter of
contention in the hearts and minds of concerned
Georgians and others across the country who have
taken such a strong interest in this case," read the
statement.
Back at the prison, Wilson was
asked if he had apologized to the girls from the
party. He responded: "No. From Day One, I said —
not just me — but all of us, we made decisions
that I felt could have been better. But I felt like
we have all learned from that experience. All we can
do is move forward. You can't step back."
Before this incident, Wilson had
never been in trouble with the law and was an A and
B student at Douglas County High School, where he
played football, ran track and served as homecoming
king. Wilson said he now plans to go to college and
major in sociology.
A reporter asked him where the
welcome-home party was going to be. Wilson paused,
then said: "There is not going to be any more
parties for a while."
Everybody laughed.
Staff Writers Jim Galloway and
Bill Rankin contributed to this report.
Oct 25
Past President (1968) Mrs. Sylvania Smith Passes
1968 Liberty County NAACP
President Mrs. Sylvania Smith passed on
Oct.
25 at the Coastal Manor Long Care Facility.
Mrs. Smith
celebrated her 97th birthday, recently.
The Reverend James C. Shipman
(Immediate Past President & Life Member) and State Representative Al Williams
(Life Member) were her devoted nephews. Funeral Services will be
on Monday, Oct. 29th at 11:00am at St. James Church
of Christ Holiness Unto the Lord in Midway, GA.
Miller Funeral Home of Hinesville has charge of the
arrangements.
The Liberty County Branch of the NAACP
extends their deepest sympathy to Rev. Shipman, Rep. Williams and
the family.
Oct 18
NAACP JENA BRANCH
PRESIDENT TESTIFIES BEFORE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE ON HATE
CRIMES AND RACIALLY DISCRIMINATORY PROSECUTION OF 6 AFRICAN
AMERICAN YOUTH
NAACP Jena Branch President Rev. Brian L. Moran was joined by
representatives of other civil rights organizations and
members of the U.S. Department of Justice on Capitol Hill
yesterday to testify in a hearing before the full Judiciary
Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Led by committee Chairman John Conyers, the hearing focused on
the Jena 6 case, the racially charged climate in the Louisiana
town and the role of the federal government in local hate
crimes investigations.
“The injustice dealt by Judge J. P. Mauffray and District
Attorney Walters over the past year must be atoned,” Moran
said before the committee and the overflow audience in the
committee’s chambers. “Justice must be done for our community
to heal. Even our school board has a double standard for
blacks and this whirl wind of events merely touched the
surface.”
Moran said the incidents surrounding the Jena 6 are part of a
long history of violence against African Americans in the town
including the death of Bobbie Ray Smith, who was killed and
thrown into an oil pit by a group of young white men, there
was no investigation into his death; and the stomping death of
Billy Hunter by a white man, who received only two years in
prison.
“When we think about what happened to the 6 boys last year at
Jena High, these stories are always at the back of our minds,”
Moran added. “We know what can be done, and we know what
hasn’t been done…’justice’. Jena can be a great town, but
right now it is a town where two systems of justice exist, and
that is simply un-American, and we believe it is no longer
acceptable.”
Currently, the federal government is allowed to intervene in
the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes only if they
occur on federal property or if the victim was participating
in one of six very specific activities, such as voting, going
to school or religious meeting.
With the support of the NAACP, on
Sept. 27 the U.S. Senate passed strong hate crimes
legislation. In May, the U.S. House of Representatives did the
same. The “Local Law
Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act” would
expand existing hate crime prevention and protection laws and
allow the federal government to assist the local authorities
in the investigation and prosecution of crimes motivated by
hate, regardless of what the victim was doing at the time the
crime occurred. It would also expand the definition of a hate
crime to include those motivated by the victim’s disability,
gender or sexual orientation and it would provide resources to
states to develop hate crime prevention programs. <
/P>
The
two bodies must now hammer out the few differences between
their bills before sending a final version to President George
W. Bush, for his signature. Unfortunately, the President has
threatened to veto such legislation calling it “unnecessary.”
On Sept. 20, more than 20,000 came to Jena, La. to participate
in activities seeking fairness for Mychal Bell and five other
teens who faced overly aggressive prosecution and extended
incarceration for fighting with a white classmate in their
community last December following a series of racial incidents
including the hanging of nooses in a tree at the local high
school.
Prior to the Sept. 20 march and rally, NAACP officials
presented petitions to Louisiana Gov. Kathleen B. Blanco with
195,000 signatures symbolizing those concerned with the
unequal treatment of the Jena defendants and the disturbing
climate that led to an escalation of racial tensions in the
town. Further discussion with the Governor led to the District
Attorney not challenging an appellate ruling that sends the
case to juvenile court, helping pave the way for Bell’s
initial release.
The NAACP will continue to urge federal intervention in the
cases to ensure justice and secure the safety of the
defendants’ families throughout the process.
The NAACP, in conjunction with the American Civil Liberties
Union, the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Southern
University Law Center, has provided additional legal support
and resources to the defendants’ attorneys and remains
committed to the defense of the remaining young men.
The NAACP also called upon the Department of Justice to deploy
its Community Resource Services to assist town officials and
citizens in calming racial strife exacerbated by the most
recent series of incidents.
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's o
