US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson joined other celebrities on Saturday in a movement seeking clemency to a reformed death row gang leader.

With only two days left before the scheduled execution of Stanley "Tookie" Williams, Jackson made an appeal to California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to spare the life of the reformed killer, who became famous for his efforts to discourage young people from street gangs.

Jackson said at a news conference in Chicago that Williams had changed dramatically in prison and could serve humanity better if allowed to live, according to a Chicago Tribune website report.

"Redemption does matter," Jackson said. "We hope our voices will be heard. Do not martyr him or kill him. Let him use his fame to redeem others."

Williams' execution is scheduled for 12:01 a.m. Tuesday in a state prison in California if Schwarzenegger refuses to grant clemency.

The governor's press office earlier said no decision would be announced on Saturday regarding clemency for Williams, and Schwarzenegger is expected to make a determination on Sunday or Monday.

Williams, co-founder of the notorious Crips street gang in Los Angeles, was sentenced to death for murdering four people during two robberies in 1979.

In California, only the governor has the authority to grant clemency to a death row inmate and commute the death sentence to life in prison.

Anti-death penalty and civil rights groups in the United States have rallied in support of Williams over recent months, arguing that Williams deserves clemency.

Calls for clemency have been mounting from religious and community leaders and celebrities like Oscar winner Jamie Foxx, who once starred in a movie based on William's life.

Bruce Gordon, president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, also appealed for clemency to Williams, calling him "our secret weapon to help young African-Americans avoid gangs" during his recent trip here.

Source: Xinhua