Troy Davis and Twitter
The case of Troy Davis, who's scheduled to be executed tonight by the state of Georgia for the murder of an off-duty police officer, has inspired outrage and set a fire under many black celebrities. Outkast rapper Big Boi rallied his Twitter followers to protest at the Jackson, Ga., prison where Davis, who supporters say deserves clemency because of insufficient evidence, is being held. Many others, notably Russell Simmons, have tweeted out their support. Here's what they had to say.
Reasonable Doubt
Russell Simmons: I'm not saying #troydavis is innocent. There is just
#toomuchdoubt. We don't execute people w/ this much doubt.
More than Words
Big Boi: BreakingNews!!! We're not waiting until 4:00pm we leaving Atlanta RIGHT NOW#Troydavis meet me in Jackson GA!!! 40 miles away
Exhibit A
Tavis Smiley: The case of Troy Davis is Exhibit A for why the death penalty in America needs to be overturned. You can't undo killing the wrong person.
A Failed System
Solange Knowles: Signed two petitions against #TroyDavis execution. Disbelief
in the system. In disbelief that i'm in disbelief.
A Clear Injustice
The Rev. Al Sharpton: I was just notified that clemency was denied Troy Davis. This is the most blatant example of injustice I have seen in years. This is WRONG.
Venting
Kim Kardashian: I want to vent about the execution of Troy Davis! He is getting the death penalty tonight but I believe he is innocent!!!#TooMuchDoubt
Judgment Day
Kimora Lee: Only God Can Judge Me!! Save #TroyDavis! #TooMuchDoubt
Twitter Cynicism
Touré: I care about Troy Davis. I don't want the brother to be executed. But
I don't think tweeting about him will save his life.
Conspiracy Theories
Questlove: is twitter blocking #TroyDavis from trending? that would be a travesty.
Heated
Kevin Powell: I am heading to Bikram Yoga class with Troy Davis and what it means to be made in America on my mind. I offer this… http://t.co/TTCYnf7n
This Isn't TV
Terry McMillan: On every crime show on TV you need forensic evidence to solve a crime. There was none that identified Troy Davis. This is real life.
Keep PUSHing
The Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.: The Rainbow PUSH Coalition Continues to Show Support for Troy Davis #SaveTroyDavis #KHA http://bit.ly/pGmCN8
Undeserving
Cornel West: I stand in solidarity with brother Troy Davis. It’s just not right!! The brother doesn't deserve to die! http://ow.ly/6zQrc
Fighting the Power
Free: Happy to see people protesting in ATlanta!!! re: #TroyDavis
History Repeating
T.J. Holmes: This is 4th time n the past 5 yrs Troy Davis woke up believing it would be the day he would die. Will anything stop his execution this time?
Pleading With the President
Busta Rhymes: President @BarackObama Please help us #StopTheExecution of #TroyDavis!! What ever u do. Thank u sincerely.