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Blue Rage, Black Redemption: A Memoir
A gripping tale of personal revolution by a man who went from Crips co-founder to Nobel Peace Prize nominee, author, and anti-gang activist
When his L.A. neighborhood was threatened by gangbangers, Stanley Tookie Williams and a friend formed the Crips, but what began as protection became worse than the original gangs. From deadly street fights with their rivals to drive-by shootings and stealing cars, the Crips' influence—and Tookie's reputation—began to spread across L.A. Soon he was regularly under police surveillance, and, as a result, was arrested often, though always released because the charges did not stick. But in 1981, Tookie was convicted of murdering four people and was sent to death row at San Quentin in Marin County, California.
Tookie maintained his innocence and began to work in earnest to prevent others from following his path. Whether he was creating nationwide peace protocols, discouraging adolescents from joining gangs, or writing books, Tookie worked tirelessly for the rest of his life to end gang violence. Even after his death, his legacy continues, supported by such individuals as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Snoop Dogg, Jesse Jackson, and many more.
This posthumous edition of Blue Rage, Black Redemption features a foreword by Tavis Smiley and an epilogue by Barbara Becnel, which details not only the influence of Tookie's activism but also her eyewitness account of his December 2005 execution, and the inquest that followed.
By turns frightening and enlightening, Blue Rage, Black Redemption is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and an invaluable lesson in how rage can be turned into redemption.
When his L.A. neighborhood was threatened by gangbangers, Stanley Tookie Williams and a friend formed the Crips, but what began as protection became worse than the original gangs. From deadly street fights with their rivals to drive-by shootings and stealing cars, the Crips' influence—and Tookie's reputation—began to spread across L.A. Soon he was regularly under police surveillance, and, as a result, was arrested often, though always released because the charges did not stick. But in 1981, Tookie was convicted of murdering four people and was sent to death row at San Quentin in Marin County, California.
Tookie maintained his innocence and began to work in earnest to prevent others from following his path. Whether he was creating nationwide peace protocols, discouraging adolescents from joining gangs, or writing books, Tookie worked tirelessly for the rest of his life to end gang violence. Even after his death, his legacy continues, supported by such individuals as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Snoop Dogg, Jesse Jackson, and many more.
This posthumous edition of Blue Rage, Black Redemption features a foreword by Tavis Smiley and an epilogue by Barbara Becnel, which details not only the influence of Tookie's activism but also her eyewitness account of his December 2005 execution, and the inquest that followed.
By turns frightening and enlightening, Blue Rage, Black Redemption is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and an invaluable lesson in how rage can be turned into redemption.
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
About the author
Stanley Tookie Williams
11 books60 followersStanley Tookie Williams III was a leader of the Crips, a notorious American street gang which had its roots in South Central Los Angeles in 1969.
In 1979 he was convicted of four murders committed in the course of robberies, sentenced to death, and eventually executed. Once incarcerated, he authored several books, including anti-gang and anti-violence literature and children's books.
In 1979 he was convicted of four murders committed in the course of robberies, sentenced to death, and eventually executed. Once incarcerated, he authored several books, including anti-gang and anti-violence literature and children's books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
July 24, 2013
Williams was a veteran and a casualty of three wars - the war on drugs, the war on the poor, and the war on blacks - his memoirs are an all-too-familiar tale of systemic racism's toll on the urban black community. Although his romantic recollections have a tinge of chauvinism, he never seeks to justify his gangsterism, or excuse himself from the equation of circumstance. And while many presses are busying themselves turning out absurd moralistic tropes that advance the ethics of personal responsibility in complete denial of the question of race, Williams has managed to produce a work that is both redemptive and unapologetically critical of American race relations. Blue Rage, Black Redemption is powerful not because it intimates a unique story, but because it articulates such a common one. The unwritten conclusion was a state-sanctioned murder by 'Governor Terminator'. It was never Tookie that neeeded redemption, but the society that failed him so miserably.
March 11, 2018
This was my library’s February book club book. It is Stanley “Tookie” Williams’ memoir. Stanley is one of the co-founders of The Crips (a street gang in LA), and also a Nobel Peace Prize nominee. He penned this book while in prison, and it recounts his life from childhood up until his execution.
I am glad the book started from the very beginning of his life—I think that’s important, because obviously a person doesn’t just wake up one morning and decide to start a gang. He was very perceptive as a child. At a young age he could gauge whether or not what was being fed to him was bullshit. His mother’s attempts to get him on the right track as a kid failed I feel because they set off his BS detector. For example, her sending him to a white therapist in the city who had no grasp on what a black boy in South Central would think or feel. She also used religion to try to re-right him. In the churches she took him to, he noticed the pictures of a white Jesus on the walls, and how a mere touch from the right mortal person had members of the congregation writhing around on the floor and speaking in tongues…and again, he sensed the BS of it all. It's like he was too attuned with reality to be put at ease by false comfort. So he continued on down his same path of destruction. I think his naturally observant nature and ability to read people—and thus appeal to, speak to, and organize them—made him destined to be a leader. I think his overall awareness of people’s perception of him, his options, and his place in America—which was bleak—manifested as anger and made violence inclement. In another life, he could have been a different kind of leader instead of a gang leader. He did become the right kind of leader while in prison. It’s unfortunate that he never got to put it into practice back in his community. The whole thing is unfortunate, really. But at least he got to put it to paper.
His teen years were filled with drug use, violence, crime, getting as “yoked” as possible, and women. The Crips started rather randomly, but gained momentum quick, and morphed into something bigger than he and his friends could have predicted. The inception was almost innocent, at least in terms of planning, but set into motion something with extreme reach and longevity. There’s one line that summed the formation up for me. Raymond and I shook hands then embraced. Finally I belonged to something. Now I’m not going to sit here and pretend like I really know why people join gangs, cause I don’t, but I always kind of assumed this notion had something to do with why at least some people do. The sense of belonging and family. I’d also say it made him feel he had control over something, some power. Unfortunately, gang life eclipsed everything else. His sole existence at the time was Crip, and he wasn’t exactly afraid to die. He barreled through his teens and early twenties with a nothing to lose mentality, wreaking havoc and having havoc wreaked on him, watching friends get killed and almost getting killed himself on multiple occasions. He was well known by the streets and by law enforcement, and both had a target on his head at pretty much all times. Long story short, he ended up in San Quentin with an execution date.
In our group someone mentioned that he seemed almost "braggy" about some of the bad things he did. Did he come across slightly braggadocios at times? Sure. But I think that’s human nature to brag when recounting the things you did in your youth, even the bad things (especially the bad things.) This was his life and he showcased it honestly by depicting the way debauchery was glorified by him and his friends. At the same time, he takes responsibly of this in his writing, and encourages others to not go down the path he did. Aside from the play-by-play of Crip related crime and violence, he provides social commentary of corrupt police officers and correctional facility workers who were playing their own games. I do not doubt the things he said happened to him in prison at the hands of the employees, nor do I doubt the story of cops picking up young Crips and dropping them off in rival gang territory to be murdered, among other things. It is in prison that the real reflection and inner change started to happen. I love that he turned to reading, writing, and making art in order to save his mind. I’m sure it is incredibly difficult to maintain sanity while imprisoned for years, and years, and years. And that’s without the people who made it their mission to make him lose his mind. They did not succeed. There were many great lines in the Redemption section that I would list if I had the book with me at the moment. But I will say Mr. Williams certainly imparted a lot of gems.
I am glad the book started from the very beginning of his life—I think that’s important, because obviously a person doesn’t just wake up one morning and decide to start a gang. He was very perceptive as a child. At a young age he could gauge whether or not what was being fed to him was bullshit. His mother’s attempts to get him on the right track as a kid failed I feel because they set off his BS detector. For example, her sending him to a white therapist in the city who had no grasp on what a black boy in South Central would think or feel. She also used religion to try to re-right him. In the churches she took him to, he noticed the pictures of a white Jesus on the walls, and how a mere touch from the right mortal person had members of the congregation writhing around on the floor and speaking in tongues…and again, he sensed the BS of it all. It's like he was too attuned with reality to be put at ease by false comfort. So he continued on down his same path of destruction. I think his naturally observant nature and ability to read people—and thus appeal to, speak to, and organize them—made him destined to be a leader. I think his overall awareness of people’s perception of him, his options, and his place in America—which was bleak—manifested as anger and made violence inclement. In another life, he could have been a different kind of leader instead of a gang leader. He did become the right kind of leader while in prison. It’s unfortunate that he never got to put it into practice back in his community. The whole thing is unfortunate, really. But at least he got to put it to paper.
His teen years were filled with drug use, violence, crime, getting as “yoked” as possible, and women. The Crips started rather randomly, but gained momentum quick, and morphed into something bigger than he and his friends could have predicted. The inception was almost innocent, at least in terms of planning, but set into motion something with extreme reach and longevity. There’s one line that summed the formation up for me. Raymond and I shook hands then embraced. Finally I belonged to something. Now I’m not going to sit here and pretend like I really know why people join gangs, cause I don’t, but I always kind of assumed this notion had something to do with why at least some people do. The sense of belonging and family. I’d also say it made him feel he had control over something, some power. Unfortunately, gang life eclipsed everything else. His sole existence at the time was Crip, and he wasn’t exactly afraid to die. He barreled through his teens and early twenties with a nothing to lose mentality, wreaking havoc and having havoc wreaked on him, watching friends get killed and almost getting killed himself on multiple occasions. He was well known by the streets and by law enforcement, and both had a target on his head at pretty much all times. Long story short, he ended up in San Quentin with an execution date.
In our group someone mentioned that he seemed almost "braggy" about some of the bad things he did. Did he come across slightly braggadocios at times? Sure. But I think that’s human nature to brag when recounting the things you did in your youth, even the bad things (especially the bad things.) This was his life and he showcased it honestly by depicting the way debauchery was glorified by him and his friends. At the same time, he takes responsibly of this in his writing, and encourages others to not go down the path he did. Aside from the play-by-play of Crip related crime and violence, he provides social commentary of corrupt police officers and correctional facility workers who were playing their own games. I do not doubt the things he said happened to him in prison at the hands of the employees, nor do I doubt the story of cops picking up young Crips and dropping them off in rival gang territory to be murdered, among other things. It is in prison that the real reflection and inner change started to happen. I love that he turned to reading, writing, and making art in order to save his mind. I’m sure it is incredibly difficult to maintain sanity while imprisoned for years, and years, and years. And that’s without the people who made it their mission to make him lose his mind. They did not succeed. There were many great lines in the Redemption section that I would list if I had the book with me at the moment. But I will say Mr. Williams certainly imparted a lot of gems.
November 18, 2012
If you think you understand racism in the world, read this book. If you think you have your finger on the pulse of the inner city, read this book. If you think you know about gangs and violence, read this book. When you are done, understand that you will never completely understand.
March 17, 2023
This was an enjoyable and grounding read.
December 13, 2018
Stanley Tookie Williams, co-founder of the Crips gang, a violent man, convicted for four murders and sentenced to death.
He was also nominated for the Nobel Peace price several times and also for the Nobel price in literature and wrote several books against gangs, drugs and crime and violence.
I don't think that a goodreads review is the correct place to discuss whether or not he commited the crimes for which he was executed or whether or not his redemption is sincere. After reading this book, I can't say I'm entirely sure about the first one, but pretty sure about the second. And I don't base that on any religious merits, I couldn't care less for any criminal who claims that 'God redeemed' him, this man was behind bars for almost 25 years and through his writings has showcased a true change (In an environment that does not encourage any of the things he did, in his own words 'Death Row if constructed for punishment and execution, not for reform'). I don't know if he was involved in those four murders and I fear that case will never be solved with 100% certainty, but he did not deserve to executed. Not with all the uncertainties and controversies surrounding his trial.
But Tookie's character was also a controversy and while reading this I never quite got over the fact that he was such a violent man and I feel like at times he seemed to shift the blame away from him too much. I realise how his upbringing and surroundings influenced him and others and how they definitely are victims of injustice, but in the end it was still him who commited all these violent acts. Nonetheless, this made his eventual redemption and change to non-violent advocate very powerful.
But what about the book itself? As the name implies, it's split into two parts 'Blue Rage' (about his youth and young adulthood up until the point where he is sentenced to death) and 'Black Redemption' (Dealing with his change in prison). It's an in-depth look at the history of the Crips and bloods, poverty in Los Angeles and the problems of America's prison system. Tookie was a very good writer and I found his language to be grounded but also of a high quality.
I think that this book should also be a must read for anyone into hip hop, especially fans of 90s West Coast rap. It really puts into perspective the gang pride of 90s Los Angeles and serves as a somewhat sobering counterpoint to the glorification of gang violence in gangsta rap. A violence that shook even Tookie, as it probably came to it's peak in the 1990s (when Tookie was on the streets, fists were the main means of violence, when he had already been incarcerated for 10 years guns had become omnipresent).
In my opinion this is a very important and very powerful book which is also proven by the numerous quotes from gang bangers, CO's, students and teachers all thanking Tookie for his work in the beginning of this book. Was he a saint? Hell no, far from it, but I think he really wanted to prevent others from following his foot steps and at least try to atone for some of his sins. Has he redeemed himself? I don't know, if he truly did commit those murders I don't think he ever could...but I do not believe that he (or any other human) should be killed for 'justice'.
I had actually written down quite a few quotes from the book, but the one that moved me the most actually comes from the Epilogue by Barbara Becnel (who witnessed his execution). At a hearing on the humanity of the lethal injection, a veterinarian was also present.
"The veterinarian said that he would never euthanize a dog or cat using the lethal injection protocol California had approved for use on humans. When asked why, he said:'Because I have ethics and standards' He went on to say that he would never use drugs that he was virtually assured would cause an animal great pain and suffering as it died."
He was also nominated for the Nobel Peace price several times and also for the Nobel price in literature and wrote several books against gangs, drugs and crime and violence.
I don't think that a goodreads review is the correct place to discuss whether or not he commited the crimes for which he was executed or whether or not his redemption is sincere. After reading this book, I can't say I'm entirely sure about the first one, but pretty sure about the second. And I don't base that on any religious merits, I couldn't care less for any criminal who claims that 'God redeemed' him, this man was behind bars for almost 25 years and through his writings has showcased a true change (In an environment that does not encourage any of the things he did, in his own words 'Death Row if constructed for punishment and execution, not for reform'). I don't know if he was involved in those four murders and I fear that case will never be solved with 100% certainty, but he did not deserve to executed. Not with all the uncertainties and controversies surrounding his trial.
But Tookie's character was also a controversy and while reading this I never quite got over the fact that he was such a violent man and I feel like at times he seemed to shift the blame away from him too much. I realise how his upbringing and surroundings influenced him and others and how they definitely are victims of injustice, but in the end it was still him who commited all these violent acts. Nonetheless, this made his eventual redemption and change to non-violent advocate very powerful.
But what about the book itself? As the name implies, it's split into two parts 'Blue Rage' (about his youth and young adulthood up until the point where he is sentenced to death) and 'Black Redemption' (Dealing with his change in prison). It's an in-depth look at the history of the Crips and bloods, poverty in Los Angeles and the problems of America's prison system. Tookie was a very good writer and I found his language to be grounded but also of a high quality.
I think that this book should also be a must read for anyone into hip hop, especially fans of 90s West Coast rap. It really puts into perspective the gang pride of 90s Los Angeles and serves as a somewhat sobering counterpoint to the glorification of gang violence in gangsta rap. A violence that shook even Tookie, as it probably came to it's peak in the 1990s (when Tookie was on the streets, fists were the main means of violence, when he had already been incarcerated for 10 years guns had become omnipresent).
In my opinion this is a very important and very powerful book which is also proven by the numerous quotes from gang bangers, CO's, students and teachers all thanking Tookie for his work in the beginning of this book. Was he a saint? Hell no, far from it, but I think he really wanted to prevent others from following his foot steps and at least try to atone for some of his sins. Has he redeemed himself? I don't know, if he truly did commit those murders I don't think he ever could...but I do not believe that he (or any other human) should be killed for 'justice'.
I had actually written down quite a few quotes from the book, but the one that moved me the most actually comes from the Epilogue by Barbara Becnel (who witnessed his execution). At a hearing on the humanity of the lethal injection, a veterinarian was also present.
"The veterinarian said that he would never euthanize a dog or cat using the lethal injection protocol California had approved for use on humans. When asked why, he said:'Because I have ethics and standards' He went on to say that he would never use drugs that he was virtually assured would cause an animal great pain and suffering as it died."
January 28, 2015
I think this will inspire many people who were or still are with that gang banging stuff because he learned his lesson toward the end and tried to fix his problems before it was to late
March 26, 2019
Back in 8th grade I began to join local gangs for the same reason the crips was formed, protection for the weak against other violent gangsters. Unfortunately, the taste of power sometimes causes even the humble one to bend his virtues and this is what happened to the crips. This is what I saw happening to me, and this what happens to most kids who decide to join gangs. Minor disagreements turning into fights.. If it wasn't for this book, I would not have understood, at a young age, the consequences that my actions would have on my family and the society. Development of course involves a process of learning and improvement, and children can only learn when others are there to support them, like parents, teachers and siblings. For many, it has been Tookie who was the support.
I do not however sympathize him, nor am I with the people who once protested to get Tookie out of jail. I am however glad that him landing in prison started a series of events which would lead him onto being a more learned, mature, thoughtful, and a humble man, and later on a noble peace prize nominee. This book indeed instilled good knowledge into the minds of "at risk" teens and adolescents and probably caused hundreds and thousands of them to walk on the right path.
I do not however sympathize him, nor am I with the people who once protested to get Tookie out of jail. I am however glad that him landing in prison started a series of events which would lead him onto being a more learned, mature, thoughtful, and a humble man, and later on a noble peace prize nominee. This book indeed instilled good knowledge into the minds of "at risk" teens and adolescents and probably caused hundreds and thousands of them to walk on the right path.
October 12, 2018
A powerful , supreme , surprising, eye opening read. Page after page I was yelling for a young tookie to do the right thing , do the right thing. It's a shame he did not truly get to find himself or grow out of the thug faze to be a better man. He destroyed many lives including his own so the title of the book is VERY FITTING. young took was smart and dumb at the same time (pre San Quentin ). I was surprised Johnny Cochran was his lawyer before the murder conviction maybe he wouldn't be in jail. It's amazing how detailed the book was from younger years, school to school , gang to gang, name to name. I went to 2 of the schools he mentioned.
I really hated the younger tookie he was anti everything & heartless.....
I felt so sad when he went to jail he went through so much they really tried to strip his power , mind , and strength. Besides the brutality from the cops his own people did him wrong too screw that snitching ASS dude Samuel smh. He had no help , no money , no one on his side to get him out of such an ordeal.
Growing up if he had just the right push and desire to learn he could've been the saving grace for alot of boys who wanted to be the super crip. He put the hood before everything only to be abandoned in the long run.
So many friends of his died I'm surprised he didn't have PTSD....
I WISH HE WOULD'VE TALKED ABOUT THE ATTACK FROM TERQUION LIL FEE COX... BUT THAT WAS LEFT OUT. I wanted to hear from his wife too... It's sad he's no longer here I believe he did crimes but not the capital murder one and I pray the real killers are found.
I really hated the younger tookie he was anti everything & heartless.....
I felt so sad when he went to jail he went through so much they really tried to strip his power , mind , and strength. Besides the brutality from the cops his own people did him wrong too screw that snitching ASS dude Samuel smh. He had no help , no money , no one on his side to get him out of such an ordeal.
Growing up if he had just the right push and desire to learn he could've been the saving grace for alot of boys who wanted to be the super crip. He put the hood before everything only to be abandoned in the long run.
So many friends of his died I'm surprised he didn't have PTSD....
I WISH HE WOULD'VE TALKED ABOUT THE ATTACK FROM TERQUION LIL FEE COX... BUT THAT WAS LEFT OUT. I wanted to hear from his wife too... It's sad he's no longer here I believe he did crimes but not the capital murder one and I pray the real killers are found.
May 25, 2015
Insightful look into the co-founder of the notorious Crips, Stanley 'Tookie' Williams' path to redemption.
It was rather sad knowing what Tookie's outcome was whilst reading this book. It was a powerful read, and one of great magnitude in my eyes. A hardcore thug who turned his life around on Death Row: educating himself and becoming conscientious of his past actions.
Tookie's story is incredible in that he truly did transform himself into a better man. I was really moved towards the end of the book, especially when I reflected back through his life, and realised how somehow against all those odds he managed to flourish like that. He had repented several times over, which makes the outcome even more tragic – Tookie was a product of American society's failure to see races as equal, and later on in life, a corrupt and ethically flawed legal system.
It was rather sad knowing what Tookie's outcome was whilst reading this book. It was a powerful read, and one of great magnitude in my eyes. A hardcore thug who turned his life around on Death Row: educating himself and becoming conscientious of his past actions.
Tookie's story is incredible in that he truly did transform himself into a better man. I was really moved towards the end of the book, especially when I reflected back through his life, and realised how somehow against all those odds he managed to flourish like that. He had repented several times over, which makes the outcome even more tragic – Tookie was a product of American society's failure to see races as equal, and later on in life, a corrupt and ethically flawed legal system.
May 31, 2016
"It's about Stanley Tookie Williams' life in prison. He meets his son and relates his life story to his son. If you are into books that show someone changing over time, you will like it." --Christian (Spring '15) *****
April 21, 2013
A must read!
February 10, 2019
This book made me want to join a gang
December 29, 2021
Stanley Tookie Williams was, in 1971, the co-founding member of the Crips, nowadays one of the most powerful and violent gangs not only in the USA, but, also, across the world. Arrested back in 1979 for murder (although he always claimed being innocent), sentenced to death, he would ultimately serve 26 years in jail before being executed.
His case caused many controversies, not only for who he was (a young Black criminal, leading a dangerous gang those atrocities on the streets are still ongoing) but, also, for who he had become. In jail indeed, he started a whole redemptive process which he took to such a point that, even from his cell in death row at San Quentin, he became one of the most active militants anti-gangs (publishing books for children, broadcasting videos...). Here's his autobiography, then, a life story divided in two parts which perfectly sum up his life: 'Blue Rage', telling about his gang life, and 'Redemption', where he explains his radical transformation.
He retells the history of the Crips (the drugs, the prostitution, the cycle of murders going with it all -e.g. Raymond Lee Washington, the other co-founder of the Crips, was killed by a rival gang shortly after Tookie was incarcerated). He, above all, expresses his regrets for such a fate, and dares condemning violence to show, based on his onw life story, that it's nothing but a useless waste.
The interest of the book, what makes it a worthy testimony and not one of these vulgar autobiographies of self-centred past gangsters, is that he has the intelligence to put his life back into perspective, frame it within the civil and political history of African Americans in order to try and explain why he became what he became. It doesn't excuse him for sure, yet the process is insightful to better understand him. The thing is, born in New Orleans in the 1950s before moving out to grow up in a ghetto in LA, his life was typical of many young Black men of his generation -fuelled by an oppressing racism. Many would then join various groups campaigning for civil rights (we're in the 1960s-1970s). Him, though, still a young teenager grossly ignorant of both politics and history (especially his own), lost at the bottom low of the social ladder of a society which despises him, will instead take refuge into drugs and delinquency.
Here's a book mostly targeted to young gang members, to show them the absurdity of violence as much as showing them the importance of education. Yet, it will also interest anyone concerned by history, and, beyond, concerned by social problems such as poverty, racism, or, again, violence (they too often go hand-in-hand).
Nominated 4 times for a Nobel Price for Peace, and 3 times for a Nobel Price for Literature (for his campaigns and writings), Stanley Tookie Williams was executed on the 13th of December 2005, despite a legal battle and strong support from various personalities ranging from Snoop Dogg to Jesse Jackson, and Winnie Mandela to Desmond Tutu. The death penalty, of course, leaves no room for forgiveness. His books, though, at least or so we hope, may inspire many to don't waste their own lives as he did.
His case caused many controversies, not only for who he was (a young Black criminal, leading a dangerous gang those atrocities on the streets are still ongoing) but, also, for who he had become. In jail indeed, he started a whole redemptive process which he took to such a point that, even from his cell in death row at San Quentin, he became one of the most active militants anti-gangs (publishing books for children, broadcasting videos...). Here's his autobiography, then, a life story divided in two parts which perfectly sum up his life: 'Blue Rage', telling about his gang life, and 'Redemption', where he explains his radical transformation.
He retells the history of the Crips (the drugs, the prostitution, the cycle of murders going with it all -e.g. Raymond Lee Washington, the other co-founder of the Crips, was killed by a rival gang shortly after Tookie was incarcerated). He, above all, expresses his regrets for such a fate, and dares condemning violence to show, based on his onw life story, that it's nothing but a useless waste.
The interest of the book, what makes it a worthy testimony and not one of these vulgar autobiographies of self-centred past gangsters, is that he has the intelligence to put his life back into perspective, frame it within the civil and political history of African Americans in order to try and explain why he became what he became. It doesn't excuse him for sure, yet the process is insightful to better understand him. The thing is, born in New Orleans in the 1950s before moving out to grow up in a ghetto in LA, his life was typical of many young Black men of his generation -fuelled by an oppressing racism. Many would then join various groups campaigning for civil rights (we're in the 1960s-1970s). Him, though, still a young teenager grossly ignorant of both politics and history (especially his own), lost at the bottom low of the social ladder of a society which despises him, will instead take refuge into drugs and delinquency.
Here's a book mostly targeted to young gang members, to show them the absurdity of violence as much as showing them the importance of education. Yet, it will also interest anyone concerned by history, and, beyond, concerned by social problems such as poverty, racism, or, again, violence (they too often go hand-in-hand).
Nominated 4 times for a Nobel Price for Peace, and 3 times for a Nobel Price for Literature (for his campaigns and writings), Stanley Tookie Williams was executed on the 13th of December 2005, despite a legal battle and strong support from various personalities ranging from Snoop Dogg to Jesse Jackson, and Winnie Mandela to Desmond Tutu. The death penalty, of course, leaves no room for forgiveness. His books, though, at least or so we hope, may inspire many to don't waste their own lives as he did.
April 15, 2019
This memoir is extremely powerful in its message and content. Many of Williams descriptions of events are gut-wrenching and graphic. Readers cannot deny the need and worth of his message. However, throughout the work, I questioned Williams' identification of his audience. To whom is he speaking? He claims to be reaching out to the youth of his community, but many of his language choices, analogies, and references would never be understood by that audience. Williams discusses the painstaking editing he had to endure for his children's books due to his tendency to tap into his vast knowledge of the dictionary, but I would argue that he needed to undergo the same feat here. Sometimes, his language reaches the level of pomposity. As readers shake their heads over an overblown word choice, his message weakens. The focus is the word, not the theme. Furthermore, readers must question the feasibility of his message. A young Williams would have never gotten past the first chapter of this work let alone been able to apply his steps toward empowerment. First, it is difficult to imagine South Central's black youth carrying around dictionaries by which they would learn a new word a day. Secondly, how are they supposed to implement a treatise of peace when they believe themselves unworthy of that power. The nature of the marginalized that Williams does eloquently describe does not allow readers to embrace the possibility of implementing his peace accord. Finally, I found myself repeatedly asking how Williams could have remembered the events he describes in such detail. How was it possible for him to remember all of the people who were present at certain events? Unless he kept a detailed journal, it is not humanly possible to have retained some much detail, especially under the influence of mind-altering drugs. I recommend this work for its descriptions of the nature of the marginalized, I would caution readers to expect a sense of disbelief in many of the personal depictions of events.
January 20, 2018
I was surprised on how much I enjoyed this book. It tells a great autobiography of Stanley "Tookie" Williams, who was a co-leader of the Crips. It was well written and I loved the multiple perspectives of the book. Tookie really gave it all he had when he wrote this and didn't leave anything behind. The book has two parts to it "Blue Rage", which was his early days of him being ignorant to the crimes he was doing and this discusses how the Crips ended up becoming a gang. The second part "Black Redemption", was him trying to redeem himself for what he did. That's one of the many things I like about this book, the fact that it has two different perspectives gave the book something new that I really don't see. This book is impressive in how it was written by someone who was a co-leader of the Crips, because many people in Death Row don't spend their last days wisely. It was a shame that he was executed, but I understand why he was. This book made people who read it think about how your actions can change someone else's entire life and possibly your own, so hopefully if you were going down the same route Tookie was it would make you think twice before doing something that isn't worth it. As a student in high school I never been someone to start any trouble, but I've been around a lot of it. This book helped me set my priorities and helped me build my character, it also helped me understand why people join street gangs and start rivalries with other people. In conclusion, this book game me a whole new perspective on life.
April 30, 2019
“Blue rage, Black redemption” is a autobiography about the life of a GangBanger. Stanley T. Williams goes through his life story in the book by writing down his letters from the penitentiary, Williams writes about his childhood and struggles of living in L.A where gangs arise and It feels like the police aren’t on your side. Williams is Co-founder of Crips in LA, His trial brought attention to him as The state was trying for a death penalty of him. He reflects on his first shoot outs and being a witness to many crimes and growing accustomed to the life of killing. Williams turning point in life was when he was behind bars, His story brings reflection and realization of his past life and growing from it, In a way Williams wrote his story to tell to others that Gangs aren’t for everyone and aren’t a joke. He lost his case and died by a leathal injection. Stanley T. Williams found himself culturally, spiritually and shared his mistakes with the world so they can learn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2018
I will say this was not one of the most interesting books I have ever read, and I struggled with the author's way of writing. It was informative and it did hold my attention enough to finish the story. I learned a lot of things I had no idea about and our book club discussion on this story was a good one. I like to read books like this to see the other side of every story because there are always two sides and we should never judge until we know the whole story and understand what others are going through.
November 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this. Firstly, it is a fairly complete history of the Crips, secondly it is a very quickly paced read with a lot of interesting asides.
It is very self serving, and since I am not likely to fact check most of it, score one for Stanley 'Tookie' Williams. I was unaware of some of the names that were involved.
There are a few points that made me laugh. When he makes the assertion that labeling him 'gang affiliated' was 'ludicrous' - that made me laugh.
The story about an inmate defiling another's food also made me laugh.
It is very self serving, and since I am not likely to fact check most of it, score one for Stanley 'Tookie' Williams. I was unaware of some of the names that were involved.
There are a few points that made me laugh. When he makes the assertion that labeling him 'gang affiliated' was 'ludicrous' - that made me laugh.
The story about an inmate defiling another's food also made me laugh.
June 3, 2023
This memoir is one more reason to build on our current understanding of the textured history of Los Angeles, in Southern California.
Journeying through such a literary expression offers one a chance to learn of an important account. A body of text explaining some of what has happened and it gives us a slightly better understanding of what is currently happening in the region where Tookie Williams was raised.
Thankful for this book.
Journeying through such a literary expression offers one a chance to learn of an important account. A body of text explaining some of what has happened and it gives us a slightly better understanding of what is currently happening in the region where Tookie Williams was raised.
Thankful for this book.
April 11, 2023
Amazing. It was amazing to me when I read it. I could hardly believe how articulate a brother in prison on Death Row at that could be so intelligent and articulate. It blew my mind. It was hard to believe and yet the more I read the more I was blowed away. Deep. I actually want the knowledge and ability to write like him. This book was actually inspirering. From The bottom all the way to the top.
March 25, 2018
This is an amazing story of redemption. I was really sad reading it knowing that he was going to be executed. I really don't know what to say. I am feeling a lot of emotions having just finished this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2021
It was very interesting his life. The fact that I remember being at the protest as a kid motivated me more to understand him. It was interesting but his prison life was kind of repetitive. But I mean, what else can happen when in jail. I liked it though.
July 6, 2021
Great insight into the life of one of the Crips most famous members. Because of its nature as a memoir, the book doesn’t flow/read as easily as other literature. Parts of the book feel very slow but are still worth the read. I learned so much from Tookie’s story.
Want to read
September 19, 2021I will have to see how to get a copy at the current library I work at; the opening is good. Foreword by Tavis Smiley, and even inspired by intro, and saw the featured movie played by Jaime Fox.
It is quite a read and thick memoir.
It is quite a read and thick memoir.
May 30, 2019
This is a gripping coming-of-age / cautionary tale to which many African-American youths can relate. A must read!!
November 28, 2020
Interesting read 3/5
May 25, 2021
Knowledge is power
August 23, 2021
A powerful book with an even more powerful message.
September 18, 2021
110% required reading.
January 27, 2022
Amazing yet so sad. Tookie didn't deserve the life that was dealt him. And yet he still turned around and became a force for good. An amazing man!
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