Barbara Becnel facts for kids

Barbara Cottman Becnel (born May 30, 1950) is an American author, journalist, and film producer. She is known for her work with Stanley Williams, a former gang leader who later became an author and activist speaking out against gangs. Becnel helped edit Williams's series of children's books that had a strong anti-gang message.

Becnel also co-produced the movie Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story. This film, which was nominated for a Golden Globe Award, tells the story of Williams's life. The actress Lynn Whitfield played the role of Barbara Becnel in the movie.

Work and Activism

Barbara Becnel was a close friend of Stanley Williams and supported his efforts to spread a positive message. After Williams passed away in 2005, Becnel continued to share his story and his mission to prevent violence. She believed that the government of California, led by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger at the time, had made a mistake.

Becnel organized Williams's funeral, which was held at the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Over 3,000 people came to pay their respects. In 2006, she traveled to Soweto, a township in South Africa, to scatter his ashes in a park, honoring his wishes. Later, in 2009, Becnel released a documentary she co-directed and produced called Tribute: Stanley Tookie Williams, 1953–2005.

Political Career

Running for Governor

In 2006, Becnel decided to run for Governor of California. She was the first black woman to seek the Democratic Party's nomination for this office. She wanted to challenge Governor Schwarzenegger in the election.

During her campaign, she gained a lot of media attention. She raised enough money to run commercials on TV and radio. In the end, she received over 66,000 votes, which was about 2.7% of the total votes for Democratic candidates. She came in third place behind Phil Angelides and Steve Westly.

Joining the Green Party

Becnel often spoke out on important social issues, like protecting the environment and immigration. She had different views from the main Democratic candidates on some topics. Because of these disagreements, she felt that she was not always included in major party events.

In 2007, Becnel decided to leave the Democratic Party and join the Green Party of California. The Green Party is a political party that focuses heavily on environmental issues and social justice. When asked why she made the change, Becnel said, "The Green Party is right on the issues—no ifs, ands, or buts."

Selected Books

Barbara Becnel has written or co-written several books, many of which are aimed at helping young people.

• The Co-Dependent Parent: Free Yourself by Freeing Your Child (1991)
• Life in Prison (2001) (co-author)
• Gangs and the Abuse of Power (1997) (co-author)
• Gangs and Self-Esteem (1997) (co-author)
• Gangs and Violence (1997) (co-author)
• Gangs and Your Friends (1997) (co-author)
• Gangs and Your Neighborhood (1997) (co-author)