WYTHEVILLE, Va. (WDBJ) – In 1973, Roger Davis was arrested in Wytheville for a marijuana charge. He was incarcerated for over 40 years.
“We’re not in control. We accept what we are dealt, and then we pass it on, be it good, be it evil. So what I pass on is good, I’d like to see everybody happy,” said Davis.
Dubbed the “Marijuana Martyr,” the decades Davis spent locked up, he didn’t let go to waste. He spent that time learning and becoming stronger thanks to the words of one man.
“They killed Roger Davis 40 years in prison, but they didn’t bury him deep enough. So I’ve risen thanks to Dr. King, his philosophy and the dream kept me dreaming through the whole time of my captivity,” said Davis.
Sunday, the Wytheville Chapter of Virginia Organizing hosted a march and celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ahead of the holiday.
Davis is the keynote speaker, haring how Martin Luther King, Jr. was his inspiration through years of hardship.
“I’m exactly who they feared many years ago, a free thinker, someone who’s endowed with love, peace, understanding. I want the same thing Dr. King talked about back then, so that’s why I’m here today,” said Davis.
“It was one of the best ones we’ve ever had,” said Kerry Eans, a member of Virginia Organizing Wythe Chapter. “He brought a bigger meaning to what Dr. King stood for and what he was trying to do and what he was recognized for.”
Davis joined the community in song and celebration, calling for the same change Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached, and promised to use his story to advance the vision of the civil rights activist.
“This nation is still full of racism, silliness and hate, and we got to kill that. We’ve got to do something about it, and it starts with men like me,” said Davis. “So I want to get in touch with many people that I can and let them know that, hey, it’s a brand new day, a brand new moment in time, and we all have to embrace it.”
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