Mos Def’s somewhat misguided plea for Troy Davis

During a concert last night at the Fillmore Miami Beach, Mos Def — performing with Talib Kweli as Black Star — issued an impassioned request that recently executed Georgia inmate Troy Davis be commemorated at the upcoming BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta. Here’s a video clip and transcript ...

The BET Awards are happenin’ in Atlanta, Georgia, apparently this weekend on Saturday, right?

I’m making a strong, serious recommendation and suggestion, in the interest of humanity and the rights of human beings all over God’s spaceship, Earth, if you are doing or hosting this event in Atlanta, Georgia, right after this young man, Troy Davis, was brutally murdered — in public, for the whole world to see — you should definitely dedicate one part of your show to him.

If it’s the opening, the beginning, the middle, or the end, bring his mama out there, show her your support and show her some words of comfort and encouragement. Because you cannot have all these black people, all these poor people that come from this culture called hip hop — don’t act silent at this moment. Now is not the moment for your silence, BET. Or anybody else! And that goes to every peep from Oprah to Obama.

When you get a free moment, call Troy Davis’ mama and offer her some words of support and comfort. And that’s what I have to say about that.
Mos Def’s heart is obviously in the right place, but, sadly, Davis’ mother passed away in April. Davis is survived by other family members, however, many of whom will be gathered at a Savannah Baptist church on Saturday for his funeral.