Activism

People Speak Out Against Hate Violence at Mill Valley Vigil

“I hurt for what it must be like to watch all this racial hatred in the world. The thing about violence is that no one is immune. When one of us is unsafe, all of us are unsafe. We are all related in our fight against hate and racism.”

Published

3 years ago

April 13, 2021

Mia Lane

Activists with the Mill Valley Force for Racial Equity and Empowerment (MVFREE) held “A Vigil in Solidarity with Our Asian American & Pacific Islander Community” on the afternoon of Sunday, March 28.

The participants at the vigil, which was held at the Depot Plaza in downtown Mill Valley, responded to the recent violence against Asian Americans, and for the eight victims that were killed in Atlanta, Ga., last month.

Several hundred people came to the vigil, which was hosted by the Mill Valley Force for Racial Equity and Empowerment (MVFREE), which was formerly known as the Mill Valley Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force.

Participants brought fresh flowers and arranged them on the sidewalk to construct a community art altar.

“We need our community to stand strong like this every day. It takes action to create the change we need here in Mill Valley and in Marin County,” said Tammy Herndon, a member of the Mill Valley Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force. “We all have to work, and it will take all of us to create the change that all of us here wants today.”

Oshalla Diane Marcus, who grew up in Marin City, said “Our history in this country is what it is. We came to America as a wave. Yet the myth of equality had often lulled our collective mind into amnesia. And we were quick to move to the next place without really looking at what is going on around us.”

Marcus says that Blacks and Asians, especially the second-and third-generation Chinese-Americans, should look and recognize the connections that exist between their communities, and teach each other and their children about these connections and shared experiences. Both communities should also deepen their connections with each other and learn more about the strengths and difficulties that exist in each other’s communities.

“There is a lot of healing that we need to look at. There are many sides to the situation. If we are in a circle, there are no sides, there are only points of view. The issues are real and may be uncomfortable,” says Marcus, “but at the same time, we can come together in dance, poetry, art, and music. People can lead the way with their creativity.”

A senior at Tamalpais High School, who is an immigrant, said what meant most to him were people who took an interest in his heritage. “We all learn and listen to each other. We are all here to heal each other,” he said, “We must bring an end to this hatred.”

Another woman expressed her sense of hurt on behalf of children. “I hurt for what it must be like to watch all this racial hatred in the world. The thing about violence is that no one is immune. When one of us is unsafe, all of us are unsafe. We are all related in our fight against hate and racism.”

Mia Lane

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Activism

Oakland Post: Week of May 8 – 14, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May May 8 – 14, 2024

Published

1 day ago

May 10, 2024

Oakland Post

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

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Activism

S.F. Black Leaders Rally to Protest, Discuss ‘Epidemic’ of Racial Slurs Against Black Students in SF Public School System

Parents at the meeting spoke of their children as no longer feeling safe in school because of bullying and discrimination. Parents also said that reported incidents such as racial slurs and intimidation are not dealt with to their satisfaction and feel ignored.

Published

7 days ago

May 4, 2024

Oakland Post

Rev. Amos C. Brown, president of the San Francisco NAACP and pastor of Third Baptist Church. Photo courtesy Third Baptist Church.

By Carla Thomas

San Francisco’s Third Baptist Church hosted a rally and meeting Sunday to discuss hatred toward African American students of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD).

Rev. Amos C. Brown, president of the San Francisco NAACP and pastor of Third Baptist Church, along with leadership from local civil rights groups, the city’s faith-based community and Black community leadership convened at the church.

“There has been an epidemic of racial slurs and mistreatment of Black children in our public schools in the city,” said Brown. “This will not be tolerated.”

According to civil rights advocate Mattie Scott, students from elementary to high school have reported an extraordinary amount of racial slurs directed at them.

“There is a surge of overt racism in the schools, and our children should not be subjected to this,” said Scott. “Students are in school to learn, develop, and grow, not be hated on,” said Scott. “The parents of the children feel they have not received the support necessary to protect their children.”

Attendees were briefed last Friday in a meeting with SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne.

SFUSD states that their policies protect children and they are not at liberty to publicly discuss the issues to protect the children’s privacy.

Some parents said they have removed their students from school while other parents and community leaders called on the removal of the SFUSD superintendent, the firing of certain school principals and the need for more supportive school board members.

Community advocates discussed boycotting the schools and creating Freedom Schools led by Black leaders and educators, reassuring parents that their child’s wellbeing and education are the highest priority and youth are not to be disrupted by racism or policies that don’t support them.

Virginia Marshall, chair of the San Francisco NAACP’s education committee, offered encouragement to the parents and students in attendance while also announcing an upcoming May 14 school board meeting to demand accountability over their mistreatment.

“I’m urging anyone that cares about our students to pack the May 14 school board meeting,” said Marshall.

This resource was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library via California Black Media as part of the Stop the Hate Program. The program is supported by partnership with California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.

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Oakland Ambassadors Strengthen Ties and Aid Efforts in Ghana

Oakland natives and esteemed members of the African American Sports and Entertainment Group (AASEG), Jonathan P. Jones and Dr. Maritony Efua Jones, recently embarked on a significant journey to Ghana as guests of the World Martial Authority Ghana. This trip signifies a crucial opportunity to bolster partnerships, explore new avenues of collaboration, and contribute to impactful initiatives in Ghana.

Published

1 week ago

May 4, 2024

Oakland Post

Elder Jorg Klebingat, Flint Mensah, Richard Burton, H.E. Dr. Maritony Jones, Amb. Jonathan Jones, Elder S. Gifford Nielsen, Elder Alfred Kyungu. Courtesy photo.

By Post Staff

This trip signifies a crucial opportunity to bolster partnerships, explore new avenues of collaboration, and contribute to impactful initiatives in Ghana.

Upon their arrival at Katota Airport in Accra, Ghana, the Joneses were warmly received by His Royal Majesty Okatakyie Asafo Boakye III, the distinguished king of Sanzule Kingdom in the Eastern Nzema, and Etse Nyamedi of World Martial Authority, Ghana.

Nyamedi accompanied the Joneses to the city of Mepe, which had recently experienced flooding, to assess damages and engage with local leaders, elders, and youth regarding the city’s urgent needs after major floods last fall.

Key concerns and priorities identified by the community include comprehensive flood mitigation measures, agricultural support, housing initiatives, educational enhancements, improved healthcare access, and the development of communal recreational spaces.

The Joneses were also graciously invited to meet with leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at their headquarters in Accra. This meeting provided insights into ongoing humanitarian efforts in Ghana and explored avenues for collaboration to further assist Ghanaian communities.

The LDS leaders shared their prompt response to the recent flood, demonstrating their commitment to humanitarian aid by dispatching substantial supplies including medical provisions, sanitation items, blankets, and food to assist flood victims just four days after the disaster.

Additionally, Boakye extended a special invitation to the Joneses to his palace, where they were pleasantly surprised with a heartfelt recognition ceremony. Maritony Jones was honored as the Queen Mother of the Sanzule Kingdom in acknowledgment of her dedicated work, while Jonathan Jones was lauded and welcomed as the ambassador of the Sanzule Kingdom, symbolizing a meaningful homecoming to their ancestral land.

The visit not only strengthens ties between Oakland and Ghana but also underscores the collaborative spirit and commitment to meaningful progress and humanitarian endeavors shared by all involved parties.