Remembering Jodie Respectfully!

[bgoodwy2k]

The Dagger Press and Harford County newspapers and reporters failed to report compassionately about a woman, Jodie Davis, who was murdered by her boyfriend Tyrone Wiggins a year ago. Jodie struggled as we all do from time to time. Ironically the Dagger Press thought it noteworthy to malign her memory with insignificant chronological court recordings. The Dagger Press and its reporters failed to highlight the issue of domestic violence and women, both black and white that are abused at the hands of their husbands and boyfriends. Far too often these instance of abuse end in the death of the victim.

Jodie was courageous and full of life, her struggles were not uncommon, nor were they exclusive, but they were real.

Far too often the value of African American life is down played as if there is no significance and substance. This must change, the approach taken by the Dagger Press played directly into this practice and the Dagger Press failed to capitalize on the issue and dangers of domestic violence in this instance. Jodie suffered at the hands of her abuser both physically and mentally and ultimately Tyrone Wiggins chose to take her life, the intent to do so was more than a fleeting thought, because Tyrone acted on that thought without mercy or regard for Jodie’s life, the lives of her children whom she adored, the love of her devoted sister, the love of her ailing yet faithful and forgiving father, the love of her brothers, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles, friends and the community.

Jodie was loved enormously despite her flaws; she was embraced despite her minor annoyances. Jodie was never short on hugs and the words “I love you”. Jodie’s comedic ways rivaled those of Lucille Ball, her style was impeccable at times and her smile was like Christmas morning. Jodie was the youngest sibling and that sometimes comes with a degree of irresponsibility and curiosity which could land one in precarious situations, therefore she was often misunderstood. Jodie was beautiful and to have her ripped away at the hands of someone who chose to end her life is painful to say the least.

Here we are over a year later and the wounds are still fresh, Jodie’s family, especially her sons, are still enduring the pain of her loss and asking the question why? Only God can ease the burden of their loss. Tyrone Wiggins has been convicted and one wonders if he feels any remorse.

It is my hope that the Dagger Press and Harford County newspapers will make a commitment to honor and respect the memory of victims of violence going forward, regardless of ethnicity or gender. God forbid any member of the press’s family should find themselves on the wrong side of the law, drink too much, experiment with drugs, hang out with the wrong people, be in the wrong place at the wrong time and ultimately end up a victim at the hands of cruelty because someone else’s is intent on taking a life. God forbid!! To all the Harford County writers, imagine yourself in the victims place before passing judgment, and devaluing life through meaningless reporting!

May the focus of future articles be substantive and seek to educate, engage and mobilize the reader to take actions and make changes that will ultimately lead to a beneficial outcome. One should ask, when writing, who will benefit as a result of this article? If the answer is not readily available, then perhaps the article should be scrapped and the writer should reconsider the purpose and intent of the article.