Activism

A Role In Society for the Formerly Incarcerated

To underscore the need for peace in and around our city, an incident occurred just steps away from the Oakland Police Department involving a shooting.

Published

3 years ago

August 6, 2021

Christy Price

Jail/iStock

To underscore the need for peace in and around our city, an incident occurred just steps away from the Oakland Police Department involving a shooting. This brazen act clearly demonstrates the need for the community to come out of the shadows and work together to solve a community problem with all the available resources that can be employed.

Ironically at the time that this act of violence was taking place, we were gathering to discuss what concerned citizens of goodwill could do to stem and/or prevent the violence.

I along with the Chief of Police, businessmen, clergy personnel, distinguished community members, activists and the Oakland Post Co-publishers met to discuss possible approaches to find ways to reduce violence.

The discussion was fruitful with regards to understanding the problem that confronts us since everyone is directly or indirectly impacted by the sudden upsurge in lawlessness on our streets. We can continue to dialogue about the seriousness of the situation, but until we act upon it nothing of worth will come of it. We must continue to utilize all available resources from our government, clergy and business sectors. The problem that faces us is not restricted to a singular quick-fix solution. It is a multitude of issues that causes a cascade of effects resulting in violence, disrespect, no regard for law, life or anything progressive. Things certainly did not deteriorate overnight and it stands to reason that no overnight solution will be forthcoming. With that said, there is plenty of options that could address some of the causes of these outlandish acts of violence all around us and in every sector of our communities.

The police chief is saddled with a monumental task. This isn’t in question! What is questionable, despite his profound efforts, is for him to get the right type of necessary support from his officers, the community, the media and the elected officials to make real changes, not just mere reforms.

This can be done by everyone working in unison going the extra mile for the betterment of the community that we call home. The media, churches, council members, non-profits and most of all the community must see that the work is not any single problem of joblessness, homelessness or mental stress alone, but it must be comprehensively addressed.The formally incarcerated who have paid their debt to society are now in a position to be a great help to the communities. They can better serve by playing an intricate part in the areas that they played some part in creating. With their wisdom, understanding and truthful sincerity, they can help regain their promise of peace in place of so much hurt, pain and anger that is manifesting itself through the tentacles of violence that is highlighted on the news daily.

There are victims on all sides of this plague of violence, especially the families those that are killed or injured. We can resolve some of these conflicts by starting to peel off the layers of fluff that shields the underbelly of the causes of violence. History teaches us that intervention is a must and not a choice. We, which includes those who have street credibility, must design a concerted response to violence. The chief endorses and wants the formerly incarcerated to have an active role in restoring peace in the communities.

Christy Price

Posts by Christy Price

Up Next

In a ‘Game Changer,’ State Modifies Requirements to Become a Teacher

Don't Miss

Diversity in the Community

Christy Price

Click to comment

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of April 17 – 23, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 17 – 23, 2024

Published

6 days ago

April 19, 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.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Activism

Oakland Schools Honor Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties

Every Jan. 30, OUSD commemorates the legacy of Fred Korematsu, an Oakland native, a Castlemont High School graduate, and a national symbol of resistance, resilience, and justice. His defiant stand against racial injustice and his unwavering commitment to civil rights continue to inspire the local community and the nation. Tuesday was “Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution” in the state of California and a growing number of states across the country.

Published

7 days ago

April 19, 2024

Oakland Post

Fred Korematsu. Courtesy of OUSD.

By Post Staff

Every Jan. 30, OUSD commemorates the legacy of Fred Korematsu, an Oakland native, a Castlemont High School graduate, and a national symbol of resistance, resilience, and justice.

His defiant stand against racial injustice and his unwavering commitment to civil rights continue to inspire the local community and the nation. Tuesday was “Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution” in the state of California and a growing number of states across the country.
One OUSD school is named in his honor: Fred T. Korematsu Discovery Academy (KDA) elementary in East Oakland.

Several years ago, founding KDA Principal Charles Wilson, in a video interview with anti-hate organization “Not In Our Town,” said, “We chose the name Fred Korematsu because we really felt like the attributes that he showed in his work are things that the children need to learn … that common people can stand up and make differences in a large number of people’s lives.”

Fred Korematsu was born in Oakland on Jan. 30, 1919. His parents ran a floral nursery business, and his upbringing in Oakland shaped his worldview. His belief in the importance of standing up for your rights and the rights of others, regardless of race or background, was the foundation for his activism against racial prejudice and for the rights of Japanese Americans during World War II.

At the start of the war, Korematsu was turned away from enlisting in the National Guard and the Coast Guard because of his race. He trained as a welder, working at the docks in Oakland, but was fired after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. Fear and prejudice led to federal Executive Order 9066, which forced more than 120,000 Japanese Americans out of their homes and neighborhoods and into remote internment camps.

The 23-year-old Korematsu resisted the order. He underwent cosmetic surgery and assumed a false identity, choosing freedom over unjust imprisonment. His later arrest and conviction sparked a legal battle that would challenge the foundation of civil liberties in America.

Korematsu’s fight culminated in the Supreme Court’s initial ruling against him in 1944. He spent years in a Utah internment camp with his family, followed by time living in Salt Lake City where he was dogged by racism.

In 1976, President Gerald Ford overturned Executive Order 9066. Seven years later, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco vacated Korematsu’s conviction. He said in court, “I would like to see the government admit that they were wrong and do something about it so this will never happen again to any American citizen of any race, creed, or color.”

Korematsu’s dedication and determination established him as a national icon of civil rights and social justice. He advocated for justice with Rosa Parks. In 1998, President Bill Clinton gave him the Presidential Medal of Freedom saying, “In the long history of our country’s constant search for justice, some names of ordinary citizens stand for millions of souls … To that distinguished list, today we add the name of Fred Korematsu.”

After Sept. 11, 2001, Korematsu spoke out against hatred and discrimination, saying what happened to Japanese Americans should not happen to people of Middle Eastern descent.
Korematsu’s roots in Oakland and his education in OUSD are a source of great pride for the city, according to the school district. His most famous quote, which is on the Korematsu elementary school mural, is as relevant now as ever, “If you have the feeling that something is wrong, don’t be afraid to speak up.”

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Activism

WOMEN IMPACTING THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

Published

1 week ago

April 17, 2024

Oakland Post

Juanita Matthews

Sister Juanita Matthews

55 Years with Oakland Public School District

The Teacher, Mother, Community Outreach Champion, And Child of God

Juanita Matthews, better known as “Sister Teacher,” is a walking Bible scholar. She moved to California from the great state of Arkansas in 1971. Sister Teacher has a passion for teaching. She has been a member of Bible Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church since 1971. She followed her passion for teaching, and in 1977 became the lead teacher for Adult Class #6. Her motto still today is “Once My Student, Always My Student”.

Beyond her remarkable love for the Lord, Sister Teacher has showcased her love for teaching by working for the Oakland Unified School District for 55 years, all but four of those years spent at Emerson Elementary and Child Development School. She truly cares about her students, making sure they have the tools/supplies needed to learn either at OUSD or Bible Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church.

She’s also had a “Clothes Closet Ministry” for 51 years, making sure her students have sufficient clothing for school. The Clothes Closet Ministry extends past her students, she has been clothing the community for over 50 years as well. She loves the Lord and is a servant on a mission. She is a loving mother to two beautiful children, Sandra and Andre. This is the impact this woman of God has on her church and the community.