May 2008 | Issue 45

Trapped in a concrete cemetery
Addolfo Davis

Voices from the Inside

 

I hope that this finds you all in the best of health and spirit. And to the brothers and sisters who are trapped in these concrete necropolises (cemeteries) around the world, hold your head high and know that you are in my prayers. I'm standing strong through this day-to-day struggle--all thanks to the most high.

 

My name is Addolfo Davis, born in Chicago, Illinois, but raised in the Illinois Department of Corrections. I have been incarcerated since I was 14 years old. I'm now 31 years old, serving life for accountability. So know that I feel the un-justice.

 

I know that I'm not on death row, but this life sentence is a slow execution. Waking up behind these walls all my life is death itself. But I will never give up fighting for my freedom.

 

Readers, I know that this newsletter is for people who are on death row, but I just wanted to open your eyes to the 102 men and one woman here in the Illinois Department of Corrections who are serving life sentences for crimes committed when we were 17 years old and under. I'm here just crying out for anyone's help in getting HB 1695 passed, so we can get another chance to live outside these walls.

 

So I ask you all to just take a few minutes out of your day and go to this Web site (www.law.northwestern.edu/cfjc/jlwop) and read about the bill. We truly need y'all support

 

Readers, I want to thank you all for taking time out to read this, and I pray that you take time out to learn about us who are also fighting for justice.

 

Respectfully,

Addolfo Davis #B-55374

P.O. Box 711

Menard, IL 62259

 

P.S. I'm including two pictures--one was taken when I was 15 years old (I was in the juvenile home). I was locked up for 10 months already, and the other one is of how I look now. I don't want to take one when I'm 45 years old here.

 

The New Abolitionist - May 2008; Issue 45

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