To those of you now viewing these words I'd like to bring to your attention that Ronald R. Howard has been given an execution date by the state of Texas scheduled October 6, 2005.

For some of you (especially fans of Pac) the name might sound vaguely familiar while others may have no clue as to who Ronald R. Howard is.

Before I tell you who Ron is to me and many others, I'll tell you who the state of Texas labels him as - a convicted cop killer. He now sits on Texas Death Row for that crime, which happened over a decade ago.

This missive isn't in any way an attempt to glorify nor justify what took place in 1992, but rather it is to make not only the community aware but the world aware, that Ron is not the same destitute young black male he was so long ago.

Over the years he has done a lot of introspection and has dedicated his all to strive tirelessly to generate awareness to the youth to not make the mistakes he has done in the past. And Ron has used his life as a testimonial to help steer the young who live and are raised in the same kind of environment he and many of us come from. As evidence of this truth you can visit his website at: www.ronrhoward.org

It is my hopes, that the community will unite in the effort to join others who speak out and oppose the death penalty and Ron's execution! Why? Well - the case is linked to all who listen to music. How? On today's date April 11th thirteen years ago, a Texas state trooper was killed by a young black male while listening to music. Rap Music or Gangsta Rap as many label it!

Some utilized this event to criticize the lyrics in some artist's songs while others may have viewed it entirely different. Right now I'm asking you to take a look at the person Ron has become regardless of how one may have felt then.

Ron has acknowledged his past and has since dedicated himself to advising others not to trek down the path he once did and for the youth in the grasp of the streets, there is no better voice than one who has experienced the ills of what the streets offer and produce.

Even after enduring 13 years of incarceration on Texas Death Row, Ron is still a high-spirited and positive brother who is always willing to help someone in any way possible.

To me, Ron is more than a comrade. He is my brother and very close friend. He's an inspiration when I feel down and need a boost or reminder that the sun still shines behind grey skies! He's a genuine brother who made a wrong decision in life that eventually sent him to Death Row while still a teenager!

Many young men will continue to make these same mistakes as long as they are not truly aware that the life they lead could land them in a place such as this - Death Row. That awareness derives from education and change.

Change doesn't come without action. People around the world can sit and watch as families drift apart. As poverty increases. As more and more line up for unemployment and crimes increase as a result.

The world can continue to watch as more men and women are executed by states and governments. Now all can sit back and say "Oh what a shame that this is occurring!" The point is, it will continue to transpire until someone takes constructive action to bring about change.

Every constructive action counts but it counts more when it's done as a collective and organized movement. We could all light candles around the world, but as long as some of you continue to hold the candle "inside" your house (mind, body and soul) instead of "outside" where others can see, your action is not constructive!

The goal is to provide light (awareness) to the world which is engulfed in darkness of the true nature of the death penalty.

Ron has manifested actions by utilizing his story to make others aware of his mistakes in hopes that they don't make the same. And it would serve no other purpose than revenge if his execution is allowed to take place! Revenge won't change ANYTHING at all, but allowing Ron's life to be spared can and will change a lot as he has yet to reach the pinnacle in his dedication to generate the awareness needed so that all who can possibly be affected by his story and continued message are giving an opportunity to receive it.

I don't write this to mount a plea for his freedom, but I do hope to motivate others to join in the effort to save Ron's life from the Texas Death Machine! You can help in many ways by voicing opposition to Ron's execution and the death penalty through organized writing campaigns and rallies to spread the word of his dilemma.

You can contact any Anti-Death Penalty Group to link up with them to voice your opposition to the Death Penalty. For more info on how you can contribute to helping Ron you can e-mail to mail@ronrhoward.org. After reading this, let your future actions be the beginning of a change in progress.

Christopher Coleman