African
Americans in Richmond expressed shock and dismay
that the U.S. Supreme Court declined on Tuesday
to hear the case of Stanley Tookie Williams, the
former gang member now on death row, who turned
his life around and is best known for trying to
keep ghetto kids out of street gangs.
“This is a shameful day
in the history of American jurisprudence,”
said Barbara Becnel, executive director of Neighborhood
House of North Richmond. The non-profit had been
working on projects with Williams, who is confined
to a cell in San Quentin. He was convicted in 1981
for the murder of four people during two robberies.
He has maintained he is not guilty.
“This decision means it’s
OK for a white prosecutor to kick off all the blacks
from a jury where there is a black defendant, and
it’s OK for a white prosecutor to use ‘animal’
or ‘jungle’ as metaphors. I did not
think they would consider his redemption or his
good works,” she said.
Becnel added that Williams’
attorneys are expected to present new evidence in
a month that will show he is not guilty.
By refusing to hear the case,
the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the California Attorney
General to keep the case on track toward execution.
Only a pardon from the governor could stop the process,
if the court rejects any new claims.
Williams could receive an execution
date soon. Williams has drawn international attention
for his series of children’s books aimed at
keeping young people out of gangs. His supporters
include Winnie Mandela, the former wife of Nelson
Mandela, and civil rights leader Jesse Jackson.
Williams’ writings, which
include a Peace Protocol, have resulted in multiple
Nobel Peace prize nominations.
His life story was recently made
into the movie Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams
Story starring Jamie Foxx. Williams is co-founder
of the Crips street gang, and community leaders
and civil rights activists say he is the best person
to serve as role model for at-risk black youths
who are potential gang members - young kids willing
to kill to make fast money while selling drugs.
In his writings from prison,
Williams has stated, “I want to save lives.
Being in gangs is self-destructive. We can reach
young people. I want to play a role in this mission.”
He has also called for more conflict resolution
programs in urban schools dominated by blacks, including
many youth who see gangs as the family they never
had.
According to police, street gangs
from American urban centers to South Africa have
formed to “be like the Crips.” Community
leaders say this is the reason Williams should be
used to help save lives.
Becnel joined other members of
the Save Tookie Committee at a press conference
at the West County Human Development Center on 23rd
St. in Richmond on Tuesday. The committee is comprised
of clergy, community leaders, elected officials
and supporters for peace and human rights.
For
more information, email tookie@tookie.com.
