On Sept. 24, the State of Missouri executed Marcellus Williams, a Black man who was innocent of the murder for which he was convicted. He was pronounced dead at 6:10 pm local time. His final statement was, ““All Praise Be to Allah in Every Situation!!!”
In response to the final refusal on the part of the Missouri State Supreme Court to stay the execution on Sept 23 , protests and other actions were held across Missouri to say no to the lynching of an innocent Black man by the state.
On Sept. 24, the day of Williams’ scheduled execution, activists from across Missouri gathered in the State Capitol. They delivered petitions totaling over one million signatures calling on Gov. Mike Parson to call it off. A march made its way to the Governor’s Mansion where chants and speeches were made and religious leaders led prayers.
Willliams was a prolific poet who often used his art to express solidarity with other prisoners, especially those on facing execution. He also wrote this poem, “The Perplexing Smiles of the Children of Palestine.”
Abolish the racist death penalty!
Feature image: Rally in Springfield, Sept 23. Liberation photo.
