Reverend Harry Louis Williams, II
Minister/Author/Activist/Ghost Writer
Hood Movement 21 Takes Flight
At some point in your life, I’m sure that you’ve heard the phrase, “It can’t be done.” When the Wright Brothers said that human beings could fly, naysayers said, “It can’t be done.” When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said that legalized segregation could be destroyed in the American south, naysayers said, “It can’t be done.” In early January 2012, when some of Oakland’s grassroots leaders said that we could come together across, racial and religious lines to form a coalition that could confront violence in our city, again the naysayers said...(you guessed it.)
On January 16th, 2012, an eclectic group of activists, faith based leaders, visual artists, hip hop musicians and citizens of good will did together. We called this event, held at Regeneration Church, the “Stop The Gunfire Gathering.” It was quite successful. So much so, that it will happen again soon in another Bay area location.
Jimi Hendrix was the last performer to talk the stage at Woodstock because he was the face of the rock subculture movement in 1969. The last performer to take the stage at Stop The Gunfire was M.I.S.T.A.H. Fab, Oakland’s most famous hip hop artist. Fab read a poem about his vision for Oakland; the Oakland that his child will grow up in. His dream involved peace.
Hood Movement 21 was officially launched on MLK Day, 2012. This new organization’s mission is to spread peace. This new collaboration of voices is the vaccine for the ailment called, “thug life culture.” You’ll be hearing more about it soon. Meanwhile, I hope you’ll get down with the movement.
Holler at me on Facebook under “Harry Louis Williams,” or write me at
Check out “Stop The Gunfire Gathering” photos. They are posted on page 5 of the photo gallery.
Stop The Gunfire Gathering - MLK Day 2012