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/ WCPRC / Laureates / Liz Gaynes & Emani Davis, USA
The World's Children's Prize for the Rights of the Child 2004:
Liz Gaynes & Emani Davis
portrait Liz Gaynes and Emani Davis
Emani Davis was six when her father was sentenced to 107 years in prison. In those days, no one gave a thought to how prison might affect children.

Today, 20 years later, Emani and her mother, Elizabeth 'Liz' Gaynes, are fighting for children of prisoners and their rights.

> Meet Liz and Emani
Why have Liz and Emani been awarded?
Emani Davis and Liz Gaynes received The World’s Children’s Honorary Award 2004 for their tireless struggle for prisoners’ children. Today two million American children have a parent behind bars. The children are innocent, but they are harshly punished. They don’t just lose a parent, but often their homes, their security and their self-esteem too.
   Emani and Liz have made pioneering efforts, both through the Osborne Association and as child advocates. Thousands of children and their parents have been helped thanks to parenting programmes, children’s
centers in prison and through supporting prisoners and their families after their release. Emani and Liz have been in the forefront of those who demand that children of prisoners are looked on as children of promise.
portrait Wang

We know that at least 8–10 million adults are behind bars. Many of them are mothers or fathers. Their children are innocent, but they are harshly punished.

> Children of prisoners
portrait Idalmin Santana
"I was nine years old when it happened. I came home from school and threw my bag on the floor. I went to the living room and saw my mom and dad on the couch with their hands behind their backs."

> Meet Idalmin
protrait Malik Gooden
When Malik’s mom wakes him early in the morning, at first he can’t remember why. Then Malik remembers. It’s visiting day at the prison and his dad is waiting for him.

> Meet Malik
portrait Naia Ferguson

When Naia, 11, heard the news about her dad, she lifted both of her cats in her arms and started dancing down the hall.
   ‘Daddy’s coming home! Daddy’s coming hoooome!’ she sang to Angel and Elijah, convinced that they understood and were just as happy as she was. After over 8 years in prison, her dad, Darren, was free.

> Meet Naia

Fan with Martin Luther King
Hero on a fan
In the summer when it’s hot, the churchwardens often pass out fans like this one, with a picture of Martin Luther King on them.
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