Activists, Rap Star Say Farewell to 'Tookie' Williams

Dec. 20, 2005 — -- Hundreds of people -- including former gang members, a rap star and anti-death penalty activists -- showed up to pay their final respects to former Crips gang leader, Stanley "Tookie" Williams.

Williams, convicted of multiple murders, was executed by lethal injection at San Quentin on Dec. 13.

Mourners filed passed the open casket Monday night to catch a last glimpse of the body of the infamous former gang leader, dressed in a gray suit and silk tie. Williams' funeral took place today, with overflowing crowds and a strong police presence, at Bethel AME Church in Los Angeles.

Some attendees said they had grown up in the same neighborhood as Tookie Williams.

"When I was a kid, Tookie was the most dangerous man in South-Central Los Angeles," said Najee Alie, 42, director of Project Islamic Hope, a Los Angeles-based civil rights group. "Looking at him today, I'm reminded that my childhood has long since passed."

Others who attended were part of William's inner circle, former Crips who came to say goodbye, like Cedric Mosely, "This is a day of celebration. My brother is free."

It was during his time as Crips co-founder and leader that Williams was convicted of murdering four people. Prosecutors say Williams shot and killed store clerk Albert Lewis Owens, 26, during a convenience store robbery in Pico Rivera in 1979. Less than two weeks later, he murdered Tsai-Shai, 63, and her husband, Yen-I Yang, 76, and their daughter, Yee-Chen Lin, 43, while robbing their motel in South Los Angeles.

Having lived on death row for 24 years, Williams was defiant until the end. He denied having any role in the four killings and refused to share any knowledge of gang activity with prison officials.

During his early years at San Quentin, Williams spent six years in solitary confinement. When he came out, he claimed to be a redeemed man. And though he would not apologize for the killings, he did apologize for starting the Crips gang. Williams even went on to write anti-gang books and his efforts earned him several Nobel Prize nominations, for peace and for literature.

His supporters, including rap artist Snoop Dogg and actor Jamie Foxx, focused on his anti-gang work and argued Williams should be granted clemency. However, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger denied Williams' attorney's request for clemency, citing Williams' failure to admit to the killings and express remorse.

But some who came to see Williams say his legacy will carry on.

Dr. See Love, a teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District, said she saw firsthand how Williams' book "Life in Prison" had changed students' lives. "Tookie's words were able to do what no judge or probation officer was able to do," said Love. "I hope Stanley's spirit continues to live in the name of peace."

The viewing was organized by Williams' longtime advocate and editor of his anti-gang books, Barbara Becnel. Becnel said she would read Williams' final wishes -- which he refused to share before he was executed -- at a funeral service today.

"His story is not ending here," said Becnel. She said Williams will be cremated and his ashes scattered in South Africa.

Among those attending today's service were Snoop Dogg, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan.