Death-row prisoner Stanley Tookie Williams faces execution in California on December 13. Having grown up in the face of poverty and racism in Los Angeles, African American Williams co-founded the Crips in 1971, which soon became the city’s most notorious street gang. In 1979, despite claims of police framing and a total lack of physical evidence, Williams was convicted of murder by an all-white jury. Williams has spent years in solitary confinement, yet without help from the authorities he has strived to rehabilitate himself. During the past decade, Williams has published nine award-winning children’s books, warning young people away from gangs and prison, many of which have been used in schools in the US and other countries. All appeals have been exhausted and the only thing that can save Williams’ life is clemency from governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. An international day of action has been called for November 30. For more information about how to help, visit <http://www.savetookie.org>.

From Green Left Weekly, November 9, 2005.
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