I don't know where it started or why it moves me so much, but I have always wanted people who have been wronged to be made whole again. That's the earliest form of justice I remember as I think back over my path in life. It's what sparked my interest in Investigative Journalism. Even now when people tell me about situations that are clearly unfair or just plain wrong, my mind starts wondering about how to fix it. It's how I felt when I first met Carol Jenkins step-father Paul Davis. For 30-years he had searched for answers in his daughter's murder and no one could tell him much of anything.
Once I understood the injustice he and his family had endured, I was there. I wanted to use my role to help do something. And although I worked hard and hoped for the best, I had no idea what would unfold.
A few weeks ago, I met a man who has one of the biggest hearts for social justice: Mr. Harry Belafonte! At 85-years old he was still a beautiful man -- both his exterior good looks and his heart for humanity. As I spoke to him about gun violence that day and listened to the eloquent statements rolling off his lips, I felt emotion well up inside. I could feel the pleading in his voice. He wanted anyone who would listen to do something -- to stop the violence, to say no to injustice, to commit to building hope around the world. As I moved back to allow other reporters to have a chance to speak to this incredible person, I thought what have I done, what can I give? At that moment I realized I had a couple of copies of "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf" in my bag. At once I grabbed one and wrote the following: "Harry B. Thanks for your gifts to humanity! I'm trying to do my part." I quietly approached his wife and asked if she would give it to him later. She said yes and tucked it in to her bag. I don't know if he has had a chance to read it, or if he ever will. But in that small exchange,
I felt connected to a greater purpose. One that calls us all to grow where we're planted and to make the most of the opportunities that we have to impact for good, the lives around us. No, I'm no where near Harry Belafonte when it comes to social justice. But I hope "The Girl in the Yellow Scarf" is a step forward in understanding the impact on the lives of those hurt and haunted by crime and injustice.
(ISBN: 978-0-615-60705-4) She was a child witness with an impossible choice... Now Sandra Chapman takes you beyond the headlines of the $7 dollar secret and the key to solving the 1968 case.
