Mourners gathered in Winston-Salem over the weekend to pay their respects to Darryl Hunt, who spent almost 20 years in prison on rape and murder charges before being exonerated in 2004.
The service was also a rallying cry to continue Hunt's work for racial justice. He formed a non-profit after he was cleared of the charges to help others like him fight for freedom or adjust to life once released.
Rev. Carlton Eversley, a long-time supporter, says people were astounded by Hunt's spiritual growth during the ordeal.
“He taught us how to experience racist injustice and to emerge without hatred, bitterness and anger,” Eversley says.
Hunt's body was found in a shopping center parking lot earlier this month. Police believe he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 51.
Rev. William Barber, president of the state NAACP, was among those who praised Hunt for his grace in the face of injustice.
“He was caged like a beast,” he says. “He fought the money and meanness and madness of the state. Still he stood up bloodied but unbowed to take his place among the heritage of freedom fighters then and now. He lived, yes he did.”
Rev. John Mendez – the pastor of Emmanuel Baptist who worked for years on Hunt's release – says the struggle against injustice goes on.
“Let us not blame Darryl for his death,” he told the mourners. “The system of oppression 19 years of incarceration and laboring to change this unjust society is responsible for Darryl's death.”
The service ended with the same words supporters chanted when Hunt was released more than 12 years ago, “Darryl Hunt is free.”
Larry Little, another long-time Hunt supporter, says with his passing, the words have taken on a new meaning.
“He's free from the troubles of the world,” Little says. “He's now with the Creator, and he fought the good fight.”