Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

James Savannah says that for a long time, he was a bitter person. Savannah said that because of circumstances that happened to him at an early age, left him with a hatred for people that he says, did him wrong. Savannah went to jail for some youthful indiscretions that he felt was unjustified when it came to his sentencing, and also the fact that his lawyer abandoned him. Add to the fact, that as a diabetic, he didn’t receive the kind of medical attention while incarcerated Savannah eventually went blind. Savannah was an angry man. But today, in spite of what has gone on in his life, Savannah says that he “is a changed man”. He said that “it was by the grace of God” and to his family, beginning with his mother, that he was able to remember the things that he had been taught as a young man that has help shape him into what he is today. “It is my faith in God who has kept me and put me in a situation where I can deliver His word to those who need to hear them”, said Savannah. Though he is blind and not ordained to preach, Savannah nonetheless can be found daily at the Desiard St. shelter on a daily basis praying for those who ask for prayers. It is a vocation that Savannah will say, “that even being blind”, that is not going to stop him. Savannah said that no matter, he “is determined” to keep a positive attitude and continue to let God lead the way. While doing the interview with Savannah, he was unabashed when it came to quoting the scriptures and how he uses them for guidance/strength and to encourage others. But while Savannah goes about his daily routine, he says that he like so many Afro-Americans is troubled by the constant black-on-black killings that is heard so much in the media. He is also aware of the protests that has occurred all across America concerning the highly controversial killings of innocent Afro-Americans at the hands of white police officers. Savannah said that “it hurts him” when he hears of another black murder by the hands of another black individual. He says that if he had the opportunity to speak to our younger generation, he would tell them that, if he is “your brother”, then how can he be your enemy. “We need to talk to one another more”, said Savannah. “These senseless killings need to stop. If you call him “brother”, then treat him as your brother”, added James. Savannah said that one of his goals is to be able to work with groups that offer counseling to troubled individuals. He said that his experience from when he was in jail, how his life was impacted and how he became a changed person, may be able to help someone else change before it is too late. But until that happens, Savannah will continue to make his daily trek to the shelter on Desiard St. doing what he enjoys. He says that he is there for anyone that wants to hear about salvation and have someone to pray for them in order to turn their life around. But Savannah says that things can start to change when an individual takes on a positive attitude and let God lead the way.