Testimonials

I had Mr. Williams in my creative writing classes at California State Prison, Los Angeles County (Lancaster), which I’ve done there from 2007-2008 and later from 2006 to 2020. He was a conscientious student and great writer. He took part in all the discussions and writing exercises. He helped others in the class get better at their expression through the various genres, including poetry, fiction, non-fiction, TV and movie scripts, plays, and more. He always had a respectful demeanor and was serious about changing his life and helping others as well. I was impressed with Mr. Williams’ work and dedication. I think he is a great candidate for a commutation of his sentence. From my experience, he exhibited strong skills in managing his emotions, finding clear and adequate language to address issues, and in writing down his thoughts, feelings, and knowledge. 

For your information, I’ve been doing writing workshops, poetry readings, and healing circles in prisons, jails, and juvenile lockups for forty-four years, starting at California Institution for Men at Chino, CA. I’ve done this up and down the state of California and eighteen other states. Because of my reputation, I’ve visited prisons doing the same work in Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Argentina, Italy, and England. I’m also a writer of seventeen books in all genres, including award-winning and bestselling books, as well as staged plays. In addition, I’ve been a newspaper and radio news reporter, and freelance journalist with bylines in newspapers and magazines across the country and other parts of the world. And I worked as a TV script consultant and became a Sundance Film Fellow for Arts Writing.

When I first arrived at a maximum security yard 20 years ago, I was scared. I’d just begun a life sentence, and I was worried about the violence and deceit in prison. I thought I couldn’t trust anyone, and I felt very isolated and alone. One of the first people I met was Dortell. He openly practiced honesty, integrity, accountability, and was a willing mentor for many young people on the yard. He was teaching himself the craft of writing, and was inspiring many others to do the same. In that prison, on that yard, Dortell was a person who was helping set a culture that allowed all of us to treat ourselves, as well as the staff, with dignity and respect. He was the first person to encourage me to write, and to use my voice for advocacy. That encouragement has always meant the world to me, and is a big reason for how I spend my time to this day. On that yard, there were several bright lights, and many of them are home. Myself, Trevielle, D’Angelo, Ken, Tommy, Brother Moe, and Steve are all home, either through clemency, court referrals or parole grants. It is bittersweet that Dortell isn’t home too. Anyone who knows Dortell, will tell you with conviction that he is above all, a community builder, and a champion for human rights. In everything he does, his love for people and passion for making this world a better place, shines through. I know it sounds like hyperbole, but Dortell is as authentic as they come, and I will forever advocate for the day he is released.

I began working with Mr. Williams in 2022, and since then he has become a trusted friend and mentor in my personal journey toward self-improvement. Mr. Williams has dedicated decades to genuinely understanding the circumstances that led to his incarceration, confronting uncomfortable truths, atoning for his past, and contributing to the healing of both incarcerated individuals and the broader community. He has consistently undertaken and continues to pursue the necessary work for his personal growth and for the benefit of humanity at large. As a survivor of domestic violence, I can confidently assert that Mr. Williams is an invaluable asset desperately needed in society. 

I first came across Dortell when he wrote to me in the early 2000s, very shortly after I became a morning show host on KPFK, Los Angeles. Dortell would tune into my show while he was being held in Lancaster State Prison and wrote me letters. Something about the sincerity of his tone, the intelligence and humility of his words, the compassion and insight of his ideas, made me write back and we’ve kept up a correspondence for more than 20 years now.

I brought Dortell onto my show as a special correspondent and have collaborated with him on exploring the prison system and its impact. He was part of the inspiration for my 2025 book, Talking About Abolition: A Police-Free World is Possible. I’ve learned so much from him.

Dortell has given so much of himself to those around him. It pains me that he remains confined. It’s time for his community, the countless people he’s inspired, helped, and mentored, to advocate for his immediate release. Dortell must come home now.