Current
San Quentin death row inmate and co-founder of the Los Angeles street gang known as the LA
Crips. Williams is one of the most influential street level hoods in America. His Crips gang is represented in over 42 states and has
spawned
copycat groups all over the world.
Since his death sentence, Williams had publicly denounced his life of crime and has worked hard to spread the word about the evils of thug culture. He set up an influential anti-gang organisation called the Institute for the Prevention of Youth Violence and written books aimed at curtailing gangs and violence among young people.
This year his name was added to a list of nominees for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Editor's note: Stanley "Tookie" Williams was executed by lethal injection in California on December 13, 2005, despite a wide range of requests for clemency.