"Delbert Tibbs, Death Row Survivor, May You Rest In Peace," is David A. Love's Huffington Post essay today. He's the Executive Director of Witness to Innocence, where Delbert Tibbs was active.
A peacemaker is how people described Delbert Tibbs.
On November 23, 2013, the death penalty abolition movement lost a beloved family member and friend when Delbert, 74, passed away in his home in Chicago.
Delbert Tibbs was many things. He was a sage, a poet, a leader and the nicest person you could ever meet, with an intellect, a spirit and a commitment that inspired all of us. It was an honor to know this peacemaker, and to learn from him.
And:
What struck me about Delbert is that he was not one to complain, even when he was visibly weak and in pain. After speaking with him, as I did two days before he left us, I always learned something. And his Zen-like calm never failed to inspire me to do better, to be better. Few people have a depth of knowledge, of spiritual maturity, or commitment to racial justice as this survivor. He wrote in his poetry about Shaka Sankofa (Gary Lee Graham), Trayvon Martin and Troy Davis, all innocent black men who were killed, taken from us before their time.
In October, Witness to Innocence held a 10th anniversary celebration. For the event program StandDown reprinted, with Delbert Tibbs' permission, the following. It is from Selected Poems and Other Word/Works by Delbert L. Tibbs, copyright 2007:
For Gary Graham, A.K.A
Shaka Sankofia
Gary, this is written some hours before your scheduled execution; you
say murder and you know best; well, brother, I say these words to your
spirit which obviously is not on lockdown; a locked spirit could not have
touched these thousands of hearts as you have and we have fought
for you, I too have been near to where you are but our kinship is
greater than what the Death machine can make and those who know
not the sacred thing called life may break and destroy the physical
body but your warrior spirit will never Die; you are part of the One
who made the Sun and the Stars and the laughter of children and
love – I don’t tell you to be strong. Because I know you are – nor do I
say don’t cry or fret because at times even strong me do that; but I do
believe that what is, is and what ain’t is not; likewise I believe that the
Judge will be Judged; the Governor will be governed; the executioner
will be executed and I believe that One who is totally righteous will
Come and judge and restore all things and I believe you, Gary will be
a witness
Peace and Love – Peace and Love
6.22.00
Earlier coverage of the passing of Delbert Tibbs begins at the link.
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