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From Solitary Confinement to the Stage Singer Archie Williams Creates a New Life

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Archie Williams at Laney College in Oakland, CA after being exonerated in March 2019. Photo by Saskia Hatvany.

Archie Williams had a run of bad luck that lasted almost 37 years.

The ex-convict, who was released from a Louisiana prison through the Innocence Project, enrolled in Oakland’s Laney College and then became a semi-finalist on America’s Got Talent. Last year, he performed at the Apollo Theater in New York.

Williams, 60, was visiting the campus during the summer when he happened upon the first tour conducted by ‘Restoring Our Communities,’  a program assisting students impacted by incarceration, and ended up enrolling to study piano and voice in the fall.

On Sept. 8, he was in Los Angeles at AGT’s studio for the second time, having made it past the first round singing “Love’s In Need of Love Today,” written by Stevie Wonder.

Wonder was so impressed with Williams’ performance that he is writing a song with and for Williams to perform. To add to his spurt of good luck, Williams has united with a 42-year-old daughter he didn’t know he had.

Williams seems astounded to be working with Wonder, who rose to fame at the age of 12.

Williams also had a music career at age 12, singing R&B at local nightclubs imitating Michael Jackson. But he also had his first brush with the law at that age when he attempted to steal a bicycle in Baton Rouge, La. He learned the roofing trade at 15, but at 18 he was working at a fish market. He broke into the house of his employer and was sentenced to a year in jail after a plea bargain.

Six months after his release, he was arrested again and charged with aggravated burglary, attempted murder and aggravated rape despite having witnesses for his alibi (he was at home asleep). His trial lasted five days and he was quickly sentenced to life plus 80 years.

Louisiana State Prison, commonly called Angola for the plantation that once existed on the land and named for the preponderance of enslaved Africans who were from that nation was notorious for cruelty and harsh conditions both social and physical.

At Angola, Williams avoided trouble by singing in the choir and forming a boxing program.

Six years after his arrival at Angola, Williams learned that a DNA test could prove his innocence. In 1995, after reviewing the court transcript that Williams had saved, the Innocence Project took his case.

DNA evidence was requested in 1996, but the state of Louisiana took 10 years to approve a law allowing prisoners such access. The test of the rape kit in 2009 revealed that Williams’s DNA was not present, but since it didn’t reveal another possible rapist, Williams stayed in prison.

A fingerprint test led to another man who had been imprisoned for rape and had been caught two miles from where Williams’ accuser lived.

Williams was finally released in 2019, after spending 36 years in prison, 22 of them in solitary confinement.

Williams appears to be enjoying his time in California, comfortable with the precautions people are taking in the COVID-19 era. “Everybody’s wearing their mask, they stand their distance and everything. Even in the studio … if I have to pull off my mask to perform, they distance themselves.”

This report was based on stories published by The Peralta Citizen at Laney College and The Advocate.

Archie Williams at Laney College in Oakland, CA after being exonerated in March 2019. Photo by Saskia Hatvany.

Michelle Snider

Associate Editor for The Post News Group. Writer, Photographer, Videographer, Copy Editor, and website editor documenting local events in the Oakland-Bay Area California area.

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

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Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

 

 

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

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The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for connection, marking a significant step toward creating a more inclusive parenting community.

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org

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Election Night on The Yard at Howard University

Election Night on The Yard at Howard University

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