Actor-Activist Danny Glover told Reggie Clemons before a pew-full of Clemons’ supporters Wednesday during a voice-over phone conversation at Kennerly Temple Church that he is confident that the death-row inmate will be set free once his story is told in the mainstream media and subsequently in a fair court setting.
Glover, best-known for his role in the epic film The Color Purple, flew into the St. Louis for the third time since the Justice for Reggie campaign kicked off several years ago. Clemons is scheduled to be put to death on June 17, 2009 and has an appeal pending.
“We have to rededicate ourselves and use our resources and energy as if this is the first time we heard about this,” Glover said. “When we free him, we free ourselves – we’re fighting for our grandsons and daughters,” he said noting that a photo of Clemons looked remarkably like his grandson. While calling on everyone, including the black press to do more, Glover requested President Barack Obama to do his part. “As great as you are you have to service what is going on in our communities, schools and jails,” he said in first person.
Using an anecdote to illustrate his disbelief that “America kills its on citizens” in light of the possibility of innocence, Glover said his grandfather told him that the most he had ever been scared was when a rumor got out that a young white girl had been raped.
“It’s alright if you’re wrong or if you’re unwilling to admit you made a mistake, but if you don’t hold yourself accountable in front of everyone it is a fallacy,” Glover said. He also added that Clemons case should be heard in the mainstream media and that he should be given another court date. “When he gets his chance to tell his story, I am confident we will free Reggie,” he said, which was followed by erupting applause from the audience.
Talking to Clemons on the phone as supporters listened, Glover as Clemons what people could do to help. “Write the governor (Jay Nixon),” Clemons said. “Tell him to give me a new trial – there is evidence they don’t know about.” Telling Clemons and supporters that he had never played a role like this, Glover asked Clemons what he does to keep his spirits and emotions up. “I know I don’t deserve to be here; I think about my family everyday,” he adding, “I can’t give up if I know I’m innocent in my heart and my spirit and soul, which knowing the truth won’t let me quit.”
