Ferguson activist Joshua “Josh” Williams has been released from prison after serving nearly 12 years behind bars in connection with a fire at a QuikTrip convenience store in Berkeley.
Williams, who was heavily involved in the Ferguson uprising following the 2014 police killing of Michael Brown, was 19 when he was arrested in December of that year. He pleaded guilty to first-degree arson, second-degree burglary and stealing in connection with the fire. The incident occurred during protests following the Dec. 23, 2014, fatal shooting of Antonio Martin, an 18-year-old Black teenager, by a white Berkeley police officer outside a nearby gas station.
Originally sentenced to eight years in prison, Williams served additional time after receiving charges while incarcerated. His original sentence drew criticism from civil rights advocates and community leaders who argued that the punishment was excessive.
The St. Louis Anti-Imperialist Collective (STL AIC) announced Friday, Nov. 6, that Williams had returned home in a three-slide social media post.
An operator at the state prison in Bonne Terre confirmed to The St. Louis American that Williams is no longer incarcerated. State corrections records show he is now assigned to a probation and parole office. His convictions for arson and burglary are listed as completed, while a weapons-related offense remains active.
In the first slide on Instagram, Williams is smiling while holding a red sign with black lettering that reads, “WELCOME HOME JOSH!” He is pictured standing in front of the DeKalb County Courthouse in Maysville. The second features a video of Williams enthusiastically addressing his supporters.
“Welcome back to America. I’m back,” Williams says with a chuckle. “I thank God for everything y’all did for me while I was in there behind the bars and locked up, and I appreciate all my supporters out there, everybody from the youngest to the oldest. It’s time to turn-up! Let’s do this! Thank y’all so much. Love y’all.”
The final slide called for financial contributions to help Williams with reentry expenses, fees and legal support. The collective said Williams continues to face legal challenges.
Midwest Books to Prisoners also organized a fundraising campaign to help Williams transition back into the community. The campaign, which has a $12,000 goal, is intended to help cover his immediate needs after incarceration. It had raised more than $7,000 as of Sunday.
STL AIC is an organization focused on political education and community action opposing imperialism, capitalism and colonialism. The group has advocated for Williams’ release and organized fundraisers to support him.
Williams was the last incarcerated protester from the Ferguson and St. Louis uprising to be released, according to STL AIC.
The website freejoshwilliams.com remained active throughout his incarceration, providing updates on his case and prison conditions.
According to the website, Williams experienced periods of solitary confinement, limited phone privileges and 23-hour lockdowns. The site also reported that thousands of letters of support were sent to Williams, but many were returned to their senders. His access to JPay, a digital communication service used by incarcerated people and their families, was also reportedly suspended on multiple occasions.
Williams has long expressed an interest in helping young people. In a 2016 interview published by The St. Louis American, he spoke about his plans beyond prison.
“Prior to everything, I had been working with youth and that’s still in my heart,” Williams said. “I’m going to continue to fight for other people in the world.”
“When my feet first touched down in the streets of Ferguson I felt connected suddenly, because I felt the pain of the people out there. I felt what was going on with them, and I did not want to leave,” Williams said in 2019.
Now 30, Williams will celebrate his 31st birthday Nov. 25 as a free man.