Spreading Awareness About Wrongfully Incarcerated TSU Student's

Last week February 28, 2025, during Alpha Week, members of the Third Ward community and TSU students gathered in the Sawyer Auditorium to view

" The Journey of Truth: The Story of Darius Elam.”

an informative short film directed by Dr. Howard Henderson, founding Director of the Center for Justice Research, and a panel discussion about the injustice that happened to TSU student, Darius Elam.

Darius Elam, a matriculating college student-athlete and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, has been wrongfully incarcerated and serving a life sentence since 1983. For 42 years, he has been fighting for his freedom. He is also the father of four children.

The short documentary reveals the story of Darius Elam’s wrongful conviction. He was accused of aggravated robbery of a white man after giving his coworker a ride home and stopping at a shoe store along the way. The store clerk became suspicious that his coworker was using the deceased victim’s credit card. While police initially sought to charge both men with robbery and murder, they ultimately only charged Darius. Adding to the injustice, a jailhouse informant was offered $300 to falsely claim that Darius had confessed, though he later recanted. Investigators also discovered DNA from unidentified contributors.

Wrongful convictions and systemic issues negatively affect African American people.

Efforts have been made to seek justice and freedom for Darius Elam. It was also revealed

that Darius almost lost his life to pneumonia while locked up. The informant went out of his

way to admit that he fabricated the story of Darius, admitting his guilt. Elected officials

such as state representative Rob Renalds have helped to amplify this case.

Activist Tammie moderated a panel of experts, advocates, and family members

Campbell, founder of the Honey Brown Hope Foundation. This discussion allowed

panelists to answer questions and defend Darius Elam while shedding light on

the unfair justice system. It reminded TSU students that injustice could happen

to them when they least expect it.

During the event, a petition on Change.org was shared for attendants to sign in solidarity with

Darius Elam. Here's the link to the petition: https://www.change.org/p/calling-on-harris-

county-da-sean-teare-to-investigate-Darius-Elam-s-claims-of-innocence

Written By: Lealer Sims