Troy Davis: Too Much Doubt Campaign

In my first week at the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, I became involved in the Troy Davis: Too Much Doubt Campaign. Troy Davis was a African American male convicted of and executed for the August 19, 1989, murder of police officer Mark MacPhail in Savannah, Georgia. Troy Davis in his 22 years on death row recieved three stays of execution. On July 16, 2007, the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles granted a ninety-day stay of execution in order to allow the evaluation of evidence presented, including the doubts about Davis's guilt. In July 2008, a last minute emergency stay, issued by the Supreme Court less than two hours before Davis was scheduled to be put to death, halted the execution and a third one on October 21, 2008. The issue in Mr. Davis's case was that since being put on death row seven of the nine witnesses that testified that it was Troy Davis who murdered Officer MacPhail recanted their stories and stated they were coerced into testimony by law enforcement officers.  Also, there was no DNA evidence linking Mr. Davis to the murder. Despite the many groups that advocated on the behalf of Mr. Davis such as the Innocence Project, Amnesty International and the NAACP, Mr.Davis was executed after the United States Supreme Court denied him another stay. 11:08pm, September 21st, 2011 became a time I will remember forever. I cried endlessly for at least two weeks as I thought about what I felt was the wrongful execution of an innocent man. I cried because I knew that the NAACP had fought hard for a halt to the execution. I cried because Mr. Davis is cited as maintaining innocence all the way to his death. His last statement was the following: 

"Well, first of all I'd like to address the MacPhail family. I'd like to let you all know, despite the situation -- I know all of you are still convinced that I'm the person that killed your father, your son and your brother, but I am innocent. The incident that happened that night was not my fault. I did not have a gun that night. I did not shoot your family member. But I am so sorry for your loss. I really am -- sincerely. All I can ask is that each of you look deeper into this case, so that you really will finally see the truth. I ask my family and friends that you all continue to pray, that you all continue to forgive. Continue to fight this fight. For those about to take my life, may God have mercy on all of your souls. God bless you all."  - Huffington Post (October 7, 2011). Troy Davis' Last Words Released by Georgia Department of Corrections (AUDIORetrieved October 18, 2011.

Here are some video clips and pictures of the Troy Davis case and the fight that the NAACP took on.

First Day.

Today was my first day at the NAACP. I met with the president at the Washington Bureau, Hilary O. Shelton. We talked about the NAACP Washington Bureau and its role within the NAACP at a whole.  I found out the NAACP is a government assistance agency. It has a 64 member Board of Directors, many of which are volunteers. They meet 4 times a year and elected in district elections in 38 State Conferences. In order to advocate for an issue, the NAACP meets and all resolutions from different states are looked at by a resolution committee over a period of two weeks. I also found out there are seven youth members on the board.


Additionally, in talking with Mr. Shelton I narrowed down the focus of my project. I wanted to do the American Jobs Act as both of my parents are currently unemployed. I wanted to research the intentions of the American Jobs Act. I was informed that my binde would have to include:

• A copy of each bill (President, Senate, and House)
• A summary of each bill.
• Side by side comparison of all issues in each bill.
• State by State grid of unemployment broken own into various demographics such as: age, gender, race and ethnicity, and education.
• Articles in opposition, support and opinion of the Jobs Act.

I could tell this was going to be a strenuous project but, I was prepared to tackle it. 

The Interview with NAACP.

Today I met with Adam Lee, who supervises the interns at the NAACP Washington Bureau. He told me when  I walked trough the door that he ha already received a letter of recommendation for me which struck me as curious because I had advised him that I would bring all hard copies of my recommendation letters in tow. However, the Congresswoman of DC, Eleanor Holmes Norton had sent him a copy of my recommendation letter in the mail. He was very impressed. In the interview we discussed why I would like to intern with the NAACP outside my cover letter that I had already prepared. I shared with him that I felt that the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People epitomized what I wanted to do. It helps minorities that have disproportionately disadvantaged sine the founding of the United States gain and equally exercise their constitutional rights. I also felt that the internship would help me  intertwined the mission and goals of both my home school, Spelman College and the Washington Semester Program at American University. In the Washington Semester Program, we will discuss incarceration and the issues within the judicial system. The NAACP especially the Washington Bureau advocate against the injustice of the judicial system. In reference to my home school, working with the NAACP would allow me to answer the charge of Spelman College which is to become a free-thinking woman and making a choice to change the world. The NAACP would give int the fight for civil rights of people of my same racial and ethnic background.

Mr. Lee told  me that while at the NAACP, I would also be required to do a project. I would work as a legislative assistance and compile binder on a subject of my choice. The issue had to be one that the NAACP has historically advocated for and issues that are current legislation. He gave me the weekend to choose a topic. And I left, accepting my offer to intern at the NAACP. 

Recommendation Letter from Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)

Recommendation Letter #1: From Family Friend

September 12, 2011

Mr. Adam Lee

NAACP/Washington Bureau

1156 15^th Street, NW Suite 915

Washington, DC, 20005

Dear Mr. Adam Lee:

It gives me great pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for Ms. Jacquelyn D. Patterson for an internship position within your prestigious organization. I have known Ms. Patterson for the past 5 years and upon our initial meeting and interaction, I immediately knew that there was something special about her. Not only is she a genuine person, but she is a hard working young lady full of potential, the desire to help others,  boundless leadership abilities as well as being academically astute.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Patterson has dedicated herself in immersion experiences in the plight of those less fortunate. Her extracurricular activities have focused on experiences that enrich her understanding of the law, judicial practices, leadership, professionalism and community service.  She is involved in her campus community as a member and leader of various organizations. She also gives abundantly of her time in the community through her volunteer efforts.

Jacquelyn has taken her academic career by the helm and her dedication to her own education can be shown in her above average grade point average at Spelman College. She has consistently proven with each semester that she is dedicated to being academically successful in the past and I am confident that she will continue with that same success in the future.

Jacquelyn shows initiative and pride in all that she strives to accomplish. She has a positive and goal oriented disposition. In addition, Ms. Patterson’s ability to provide leadership, her maturity, and responsible nature are characteristics that that I rarely see in students in her same age cohort.

It is without reservation and with great enthusiasm that I recommend Ms. Jacquelyn Patterson for serious consideration into your internship program.  She indeed represents the standard of excellence that continues to keep the NAACP on the cutting edge of helping secure justice for all.  If you have any questions, Please feel free to contact me via telephone or email: (770) 235-6830 or tparkman@ubalt.edu.

Sincerely,

Tiffaney S. Parkman, PhD

Lecturer,

College of Public Affairs

University of Baltimore

Cover Letter for NAACP application

2807 Connecticut Ave NW Apt #407A

Washington, DC, 20008

(202) 251-5275

jpatter7@scmail.spelman.edu

jp6293a@student.american.edu

September, 6^th , 2011

Mr. Adam Lee

NAACP/Washington Bureau

1156 15^th Street, NW Suite 915

Washington, DC, 20005

Dear Mr. Adam Lee:

Late Supreme Court Justice and founder of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational

Fund Thurgood Marshall once asked, “What is the quality of your intent?  Certain people

have a way of saying things that shake us at the core. Even when the words do not seem

harsh or offensive, the impact is shattering. What we could be experiencing is the intent

behind the words. When we do good, we do. When we intend to do harm, it happens.

What each of us must come to realize is that our intent always comes through. We cannot

sugarcoat the feelings in our hearts of hearts. The emotion is the energy that motivates.

We cannot ignore what we really want to create. We should be honest and do it the way

we feel it. What we owe to ourselves and everyone around is to examine the reasons of

our true intent. My intent will be evident in the results.”  This is a quote that resounds in

my spirit. Justice Marshall’s question was made to challenge people to step forth and

become the change they want to see. The challenge to bring forward change without

being coldhearted and unable to take the critiques along the journey but, to have the

ability to overcome negativity and emerge victorious in getting your dedicated deed done. 

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has always

been an organization of great interest to me. For more than 100 years the NAACP has

ensured political, and socio-economical equality for all ethnic minorities. It is

organizations such as the NAACP that helps our next generation realize the importance

of education through its many outreach programs and scholarships.

  My name is Jacquelyn D. Patterson and I am writing because I am interested in your

internship. I am junior at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia and am participating in the

Washington Semester Justice & Law Domestic Exchange program at American

University. My ultimate goal is to become the first African American female Supreme

Court Justice. As a Political Science major with a concentration in Pre Law, and more

important, as an African American woman, I know laws are the guiding foundation of

America.  I know the journey that my racial background and gender have faced on the

road to obtaining civil rights and liberties. I recognize the Civil Rights Amendments and

various Civil Rights Acts that are beneficial to affirming my rights to be considered a

citizen, to vote, and to obtain an education. In addition, I see laws within my own

community. A resident of Ward 8 Southeast, Washington, DC, a predominately African American ward plagued by poverty, crime, and unemployment in the nation’s capital, I

am often greeted with injustice at my door. Before starting my matriculation at Spelman

College, I attended Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter High School, DC’s

number one ranked law charter school. In my junior year I was selected to participate in a

pilot program within the District of Columbia Superior Courts. I started my first weeks in

the Family Division. I watched a case where a mother who was addicted to harmful

illegal substances fought for custody of her children. My magistrate judge used state laws

to hold the parent, eventually enroll her in a rehabilitation program, and to safely place

her children within a child protection program upon her completion and recovery. The

most interesting case I saw during my experience was under the judgment of my mentor

DC Superior Court Judge Gregory E. Jackson. The case had actually occurred within

blocks from my home where a man was slain by three other men. I watched daily as the

state attorney and defense attorney used judicial reasoning to aid their clients’ case. In the

end, one of the alleged men was convicted of the murder and the death of the man was

brought to peace and justice.

In my current matriculation, I am finding more and more the need and use of laws to

ensure rights are provided and the voices of the American citizens are heard. I am a

current member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity at Spelman and I am always

advocating for more of my peers to open their mouths and voice concerns within in the

economy or whether in the Spelman community. I feel the opportunity to internship with

the NAACP/Washington Bureau will allow me expound on the experiences I have had

previous and will further help my understanding of the judicial process, my passion about

laws, and decide how to further help others. .

  

Enclosed you will find my resume with references included. I would truly appreciate the

opportunity to work with the NAACP/Washington Bureau compiling, summarizing,

analyzing and distributing to appropriate units, information pertaining to pending

legislation.  As well as monitoring legislation, attending congressional hearings, and

contacting local NAACP branches. This opportunity will allow me to possess the

heartfelt spirit and energy that Justice Thurgood Marshall personified in his quote about

the intent of a persons’ work. I will follow up with your office via email and phone. If

you have anymore questions feel free to contact me at jpatter7@scmail.spelman.edu or

(202) 251-5275. Within the American University Washington Semester Program for

Justice and Law, I would be available to work only Mondays and Tuesdays of each week.

I thank you advance for the consideration of my application and I look forward to hearing

from you in hopes that I will be able to assist you in your work within the NAACP.

Sincerely,

Jacquelyn D. Patterson

It's a New Day..

 Today, I woke up with a more positive attitude than I did yesterday. I called all the places I had applied to whether through the internship bazaar or the internship database website. Ms. Beverly Miller at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said that they were only accepting law students for the internship positions currently. Ms. Kathy Coates at the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (LCCRL). Mr.Lippert of the National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers' (NACDL) never returned my calls and this time my calls also went to voicemail. I emailed Mr. Tegeler at the Poverty & Race Research Action Council and was told that my application would get reviewed and they would contact me in the coming days to set up and interview. Lastly, I contacted Mr. Adam Lee at the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and he told me that he would review my application and call me back within the next 10 minutes. About 15 minutes later Mr. Lee contacted me and told my that my resume was extensive and very impressive and that he would like to interview me on Friday but I would need to bring a letter of recommendation. So, I ecstatically accepted the chance to interview with him and told him that I would have a letter of recommendation for him on Friday.

Today I saw first hand how the epitome of a quote by my favorite poet and laureate Maya Angelou," If you don't like something change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." That's exactly what I did. I changed my outlook and approach to my internship search and I was able to land another interview.

Discouraged

Today, I woke up feeling very discouraged. We are going into the third week of classes and I still do not have an internship. This week during classes we all went around and stated where we were in the internship process, granted some of my peers where in the same boat as I but at least they had went on numerous interviews and had potential internships. I only have been to one interview. The deadline of when you can start your internship is September 19th. This week is busy on seminar days so, I will not have time for interviews then. My last resort is to continue calling the places I have already applied to. I just hope that I can find an internship before the 19th.

First Interview

"Fighting for a Fair America"

Today, I had my first interview with the Alliance for Justice, The Alliance for 
Justice is an organization I met at the internship bazaar. Alliance for Justice (AFJ) is a national association of more than 100 organizations dedicated to advancing justice and democracy. For 30 years AFJ has been leading in the fight for a more equitable society on behalf of a broad constituency of environmental, consumer, civil and women's rights, children's, senior citizens' and other groups. Alliance for Justice is premised on the belief that all Americans have the right to secure justice in the courts and to have our voice heard when government makes decisions that affect our lives. I truly am interested in this organization 
because it has a division called,"the Alliance for Justice's Student Action 
Committee". The AFL SAC facilitates the First Monday program which is held in 
connection with the U.S Supreme Court. The program features short documentaries on
the first Monday of the Supreme Court's term to educate communities about 
important social justice issues and advocate for public advocacy. First Monday 
offers students year around opportunities to engage in judicial advocacy. This
 year's First Monday film was: 

Here is a short trailer about the film and an excerpt from the website:

A Question of Integrity: Politics, Ethics and the Supreme Court exposes evidence that some Supreme Court justices have participated in overtly political activity, have inappropriately lent their names to private fundraisers, have maintained financial and personal relationships with individuals and institutions that give rise to the appearance of impropriety, and have failed to disclose financial information required by federal law. Narrated by award-winning actor Edward James Olmos, this 15-minute film explores ways in which this problematic behavior raises questions about the need to formally apply the Code of Conduct to the Court, reform the refusal process, and enforce the Ethics in Government Act. Viewers are called to action in support of constitutionally appropriate legislative and procedural fixes, all of which are essential to preserve the integrity of our nation’s most important legal institution.

The interview was very informal. The interviewer Ms. Devyn Shea discussed with me that if I was accepted as an intern I would experience the SCOTUS a lot and participate in the First Monday program. I was truly excited about this internship but I still wanted to see if I received other internships offers because Ms. Morrill who oversees internships through the WSP always says to weigh all your options. Upon leaving Ms. Shea informed me that I would be notified in the upcoming weeks about whether or not I was offered the internship. 

The Search continues....

At the internship bazaar, I was not truly impressed with the selection of internships there. After the bazaar, I got an offer from DC Law Students in the Courts but I turned it down because the experience was similar to an internship I did with the DC Superior Courts my junior year of high school and also because they dealt with tenants in housing complaints and sometimes saw mice which is my FEAR. After the bazaar I facilitated use of the internship website and sent my application and resume to the ACLU-NCA (American Civil Liberties Union), the Alliance for Justice, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement for Colored People), the LCCRL (Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law), the Poverty Race Research Action Committee, and the National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers'. I looked at all these opportunities because I want an internship that is centered on civil rights law, help and assistance to minorities and less privileged, justice based and possibly closely related to the Supreme Court. My ultimate career goal is to become the first female African American Supreme Court Justice. There has only been two African American justices, the late Thurgood Marshall and currently Clarence Thomas. There has also been a low number of women justices, there was Sandra O'Connor, and on the current bench Justice Ruth Ginsburg, and two of President Barack Obama's appointees Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Justice Elena Kagen. I feel any of these opportunities will help me reach my career goal a little more.