Barbara Becnel facts for kids
Barbara Cottman Becnel, born on May 30, 1950, is an American writer, journalist, and film producer. She was a close friend of Crips co-founder Stanley Williams, who became an anti-gang activist and writer. Becnel also edited Williams's series of children's books, which taught against gang violence. Williams passed away in 2005. Becnel helped produce the film Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story, which was nominated for a Golden Globe Award. The movie featured actress Lynn Whitfield playing the role of Becnel.
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About Barbara Cottman Becnel
Her Work with Stanley Williams
Barbara Cottman Becnel was present when Stanley Williams passed away as one of his chosen witnesses. After his death was announced, she and two friends, Shirley Neal and Rudy Langlais, expressed their belief that he was innocent. Becnel stated that they would work to prove his innocence.
Williams asked Becnel to arrange his funeral, which took place on December 20, 2005. Over 3,000 people attended the service. On June 25, 2006, Becnel and Neal released Williams's ashes into a lake in Thokoza Park, located in Soweto, South Africa. In February 2009, Becnel and Neal released a documentary they directed and produced called Tribute: Stanley Tookie Williams, 1953–2005. This film shared more about Williams's life.
Her Political Journey
In 2006, Barbara Cottman Becnel decided to run for Governor of California. She sought the Democratic Party's nomination. She was the first Black woman to run for this position. She received 66,544 votes, which was about 2.7% of all votes cast. She finished third among eight Democratic candidates. Her campaign gained media attention, and she raised enough money to run television and radio commercials.
Becnel openly disagreed with other Democratic candidates, Phil Angelides and Steve Westly, because they supported the death penalty. She also spoke out on other important social issues, such as protecting the environment and immigration. Because of her strong opinions, she was not invited to some important Democratic Party events.
These disagreements, especially about the death penalty, led Barbara to leave the Democratic Party. In early 2007, she joined the Green Party of California. This party is connected to the Green Party (GPUS) nationally. When asked why she joined the Green Party, Becnel said, "The Green Party is right on the issues—no ifs, ands, or buts."
Books by Barbara Cottman Becnel
- The Co-Dependent Parent: Free Yourself by Freeing Your Child (1991), Harper San Francisco; ISBN: 0-06-250126-7
- Life in Prison (2001), Seastar Books; ISBN: 1-58717-093-0 (co-author)
- Gangs and the Abuse of Power (1997), Hazelden Publishing & Educational Services; ISBN: 1-56838-130-1 (co-author)
- Gangs and Self-Esteem (1997), PowerKids Press; ISBN: 0-8239-2344-4 (co-author)
- Gangs and Violence (1997), Hazelden Publishing & Educational Services; ISBN: 1-56838-134-4 (co-author)
- Gangs and Your Friends (1997), PowerKids Press; ISBN: 0-8239-2341-X (co-author)
- Gangs and Your Neighborhood (1997), Hazelden Information & Educational Services; ISBN: 1-56838-137-9 (co-author)
