strange fruit

southern trees bear a strange fruit
blood on the leaves and blood at the root
black body swinging in the southern breeze
strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees

**

the state is set to execute another innocent black man.

today is the international day of action for troy anthony davis, who was convicted in 1991 of killing a white police officer at the age of 17. no physical evidence linked mr. davis to the case, and to date seven of nine witnesses against him have recanted their testimonies. all requests for a new trial have been rejected and his legal appeals have been exhausted. the execution has been set for october 27th.

this can really only be described as legalized lynching. send an email to the georgia state board of pardons & paroles here.

update: the 11th circuit federal court of appeals has issued a(nother) stay of execution. 140,000 signatures in support of mr. davis have been delivered to the georgia state board of pardons and paroles.


strange fruit : billie holiday