While everyone is distracted by trivial matters of baby oil and other debauchery, they’re about to execute another Black man without any viable evidence of guilt. The fact that they slipped this one under the radar, hidden beneath the noise of the “trial of the century,” is sickening—but that’s how the system operates, isn’t it?
Now, don’t get me wrong, the Diddy case is significant and may set a precedent for keeping the Mann Act alive and well. This long-standing “legal” Uno Reverse card, while ostensibly about preventing human trafficking, has historically been used to prosecute unlawful premarital, extramarital (with some justifiable penalties), and interracial relationships. Though antiquated, its underlying purpose remains, even if not explicitly written. The penalties applied primarily target men, whether or not the woman involved consented. If she did consent, she could be considered an accessory. This is the same card thrown at the legendary Black icon Jack Johnson and his white wife, Lucille Cameron. The law has been modified, but it continues to be misused in certain cases to this day.
But the focus here isn’t Diddy. The focus is on an innocent man.Marcellus Williams’ only option to avoid death was to plead guilty for a life sentence for something there is no evidence to support. The fact that he chose to maintain his innocence, knowing it would likely lead to his death, is heartbreaking. If they ever find the real killer, they’ll probably offer a lump sum to any surviving family member or release a hollow statement: “Oops, we killed him by accident. Sorry.”
This year, we’ve seen significant legal activity—some overturned, others reluctantly pushed forward. We’ve witnessed the slow-trial efforts in the cases of Sonya Massey, Roger Fortson, and now the reversal that shifts the blame for Breonna Taylor’s death onto her boyfriend. Let’s not forget the Tulsa bombing victims, whose long-overdue push for reparations was denied.
These may be new times, but the same plays are being run behind the scenes. Pay attention to the landscape and stay aware of what will affect you.
Marcellus Williams is scheduled to die by lethal injection at 6 PM today.
