SAN QUENTIN, Calif. – More than 1,000 people gathered outside the gates of San Quentin State Prison on Saturday, seeking clemency for death row inmate Stanley “Tookie” Williams, a man they called a symbol of second chances.
“Stanley Tookie Williams is not just a regular old guy, he’s an inspirator,” rap star Snoop Dogg told the crowd. “He inspires me and I know I inspire millions.”
Snoop, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, calls himself a former member of the Crips gang that Williams founded. The actor and rapper spoke briefly at the end of the rally, saying a movie about Williams’ life inspired him to do more to help kids, including starting an inner-city football league.
“People got to understand, this is not just a publicity stunt,” he said. “This is real people out here. I see people of all walks, all ages, all sizes, all colors. It doesn’t matter, we’re all about one thing, humanity, and it’s about keeping this man alive.”
Williams is known for his work from behind bars to stop gang violence, including his “peace protocol” and a series’ of children’s books.
He is scheduled to be executed Dec. 13.
Saturday’s crowd was larger, younger and more diverse than that attracted by usual pre-execution vigils, neighbors of the prison said.
“We were here for the last vigil, and there were maybe half this many people,” said Jon Burns, who lives up the street from the prison.
Sunny weather didn’t hurt the turnout. Neither did Snoop Dogg’s heavily publicized appearance.
“It’s touching me right now that I’m here today in front of you all, giving my heart up like this,” Snoop said. “But if it’s going to keep this man alive and keep him moving, I’m down the hill.”
Along with hip-hop fans and anti-death penalty groups, Saturday’s event drew a strong presence from the Nation of Islam, which helped provide security.
Many speakers called Williams the symbol of a racist system that aims to control blacks and Latinos by locking them up.
“It’s a war on youth. It’s a war on people of color. They are warehousing our people in prisons like this,” said Cassandra Gonzalez, a Los Angeles youth organizer, gesturing toward the cell blocks behind her.
“The fact is, they want all of us on Death Row,” said Fred Hampton Jr., chairman of the Prisoners of Conscience Committee.
Rally organizer Barbara Becnel, who leads the “Save Tookie” committee, criticized prison officials for what she called “blatant attacks” against Williams in recent days.
“He’d have to be a magician to do any of the things he’s accused of doing” from behind bars, she said. “He is not an active gangbanger and has not been active member for many, many years.”
Among Saturday’s protesters were groups of teens and young adults who said they’d learned of the protest at youth centers or mentoring programs.
“I don’t believe what they’re doing is right, and I just wanted to be a part of (the rally),” said 16-year-old Derrick Underwood of Oakland, Calif. “I just hope we can help. Maybe they’ll make the right choice and not execute him.”
In tough neighborhoods, people feel connected to Williams and his story because they understand what it means to turn away from gang life, said 22-year-old Joe Futch.
“Anybody that is willing to change their life should have a chance. He made a big change. If you can’t respect that, there’s nothing I can say.”
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