Connect with us

Activism

IN MEMORIAM: First Annual Oscar Grant Day Celebrated with Inspirational Speeches, Powerful Performances

“Riding the BART shouldn’t be a death sentence,” said Elaine Brown, former Black Panther Party chairwoman. “Oscar tried to defuse a fight on the train and his good deed became a death sentence. The only person trying to deescalate anything that day was Oscar – and he was killed for it.”

Published

on

Civil rights attorney Pamela Price stands with Rev. Wanda Johnson, mother of Oscar Grant. Johnson vowed to make this first rally for Oscar Grant an annual event on Oscar’s birthday, February 27, every year.
Civil rights attorney Pamela Price stands with Rev. Wanda Johnson, mother of Oscar Grant. Johnson vowed to make this first rally for Oscar Grant an annual event on Oscar’s birthday, February 27, every year.

By Post Staff

On an overcast day with moments of sunlight, family members and supporters of the late Oscar Grant III gathered in front of Oakland City Hall on Saturday, February 26 to celebrate his life and legacy.

Grant was shot at the Fruitvale Station platform on Jan. 1, 2009, by BART officer Johannes Mehserle, while being held down by BART Officer Anthony Pirone.

Grant, who had been on his way home from a New Year’s Eve celebration in San Francisco, was pronounced dead several hours later at Highland Hospital.

After Community outcry, Mehserle was charged with second-degree murder but was only convicted of involuntary manslaughter. He is the only officer ever to be convicted by Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley.

O’Malley, who was a common reference of the speakers at the rally, has only charged one police officer in an officer-involved death. Currently, the 2021 death of Mario Gonzalez in the City of Alameda and the recent police killing of Cody Chavez after a standoff in Pleasanton on February 18 are still being considered for charges.

Mehserle served less about a year in a private cell in a Los Angeles County prison.

As dozens spoke at the rally, they pointed out that Grant’s death has been the catalyst for many police reforms in Alameda County. Grant’s “Uncle Bobby” Cephus Johnson said that his nephew’s death led to such changes in policing as body cameras and police oversight commissions.

“All roads lead to one justice,” said Johnson. “We have been seeking justice for 13 years and we haven’t gotten there yet.”

Oakland City Councilmember Treva Reid, who represents District 7, sent staff to read the City Council proclamation calling Sunday, the 27 of February – Oscar Grant Day – the same day he would have turned 36 this year.

The rally, sponsored by the Oscar Grant Foundation, had food give-away stations and school supplies in backpacks for children. Dancers and singers brought cheers from the crowd on the Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, which is sometimes referred to as Oscar Grant Plaza.

A bouncy house in the grassy area vibrated with children jumping while speaker after speaker before City Hall called for reform and real justice for Grant’s family. Local religious leaders, community organizers and people seeking elected offices spoke about Grant’s legacy.

Former Black Panther Party Chairwoman Elaine Brown urged the audience to remember that justice has still not been found for Oscar Grant’s family. Brown focused her passionate speech on how the second officer involved in Grant’s death has never been charged.

Former Black Panther Party Chairwoman Elaine Brown urged the audience to remember that justice has still not been found for Oscar Grant’s family. Brown focused her passionate speech on how the second officer involved in Grant’s death has never been charged.

Elaine Brown, former Black Panther Party chairwoman, gave an impassioned speech at the top of the rally about justice still being denied. She urged the audience to remember that Anthony Pirone was never charged or convicted in Grant’s death.

“Riding the BART shouldn’t be a death sentence,” said Brown. “Oscar tried to defuse a fight on the train and his good deed became a death sentence. The only person trying to deescalate anything that day was Oscar – and he was killed for it.”

The stage was also filled with some of the candidates vying to replace Nancy O’Malley as the next district attorney of Alameda County in the June 7 primary election.

Councilmember Dan Kalb’s chief of staff, Seth Seward, was seen in the audience while current Deputy D.A. Jimmie Wilson and civil rights attorney Pamela Price took the stage to talk about justice reform. O’Malley’s endorsed candidate Assistant D.A. Terry Wiley was not present.

Civil rights attorney Pamela Price led the crowd cheering as she talked about the changes needed in the justice system. Price is also a candidate to replace the current Alameda County district attorney in the June 7 primary election.Civil rights attorney Pamela Price led the crowd cheering as she talked about the changes needed in the justice system. Price is also a candidate to replace the current Alameda County district attorney in the June 7 primary election.

Civil rights attorney Pamela Price led the crowd cheering as she talked about the changes needed in the justice system. Price is also a candidate to replace the current Alameda County district attorney in the June 7 primary election.

Price gave a fiery speech on the needed reforms of the D.A.’s office. Price called out how the D.A.’s office has been toying with the Grant family’s emotions as they seek justice when O’Malley announced an investigation into charging Pirone last year, only to announce months later that no charges would be filed.

Price noted that the original prosecution of the case was “flawed because the D.A.’s heart was not in it,” just as the prosecution of the Oakland ‘Riders’ failed “because the D.A.’s heart was not in it.”

Other speakers included District 6 City Councilmember Loren Taylor who is currently running for Oakland Mayor, rapper and community organizer Mistah F.A.B. and Anti-Police Terror Project Executive Director Cat Brooks.

Rev. Wanda Johnson, Grant’s mother, thanked everyone for coming to this first annual day to celebrate her son’s life and the positive reforms because of this unjust death. She stated that this fight will continue as a “legacy of love, a legacy of hope and a legacy of peace.”

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of February 12 – 18, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of February 12 – 18, 2025

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Activism

Former U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee Reflects on Her Career as She Bids Farewell to Congress

“Together, we have raised our voices and pushed the envelope for peace, justice and equity. It has been the honor of a lifetime to provide constituent services, deliver federal investments to my district, speak out, and often times be the only one to take tough votes against the tide. I have, and will continue to, fight for working families, the middle class, low income and poor people,” said Lee On her final day in Congress.

Published

on

Rep. Barbara Lee. File photo.
Rep. Barbara Lee. File photo.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Outgoing Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) expressed deep gratitude to her constituents and marked the end of her 26-year career in public service.

Lee, who is succeeded by Lateefah Simon, a civil rights and racial justice activist, praised people in her community for their support. She also highlighted her dedication to promoting peace, justice, and equity.

“Together, we have raised our voices and pushed the envelope for peace, justice and equity. It has been the honor of a lifetime to provide constituent services, deliver federal investments to my district, speak out, and often times be the only one to take tough votes against the tide. I have, and will continue to, fight for working families, the middle class, low income and poor people,” said Lee On her final day in Congress.

Throughout her tenure, Lee earned a reputation as a principled lawmaker known for taking bold and sometimes unpopular stances. One of her defining moments came in 2001 when she was the sole member of Congress to vote against the Authorization for the Use of Military Force in response to the September 11 attacks. This decision led to death threats but ultimately cemented her legacy of courage.

Lee’s leadership extended beyond her district, where she fought for social justice, the rights of low-income communities, and global health initiatives. She was a key figure in pushing for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). She was a vocal critic of the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortion services.

The Congresswoman also faced significant challenges in her career, including a failed Senate bid in 2024. Yet, Lee’s efforts have paved the way for more excellent representation, with more Black women now elected to Congress. She worked closely with organizations like Representation Matters to encourage more women of color to run for office.

Lee says she looks to the future, confident that the next generation of leaders will continue her unfinished work, particularly on issues like military force and reproductive rights.

Continue Reading

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of February 5 – 11, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of February 5 – 11, 2025

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to receive news and updates from the Oakland Post

* indicates required

CHECK OUT THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE OAKLAND POST

ADVERTISEMENT

WORK FROM HOME

Home-based business with potential monthly income of $10K+ per month. A proven training system and website provided to maximize business effectiveness. Perfect job to earn side and primary income. Contact Lynne for more details: Lynne4npusa@gmail.com 800-334-0540

Facebook

California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Photo Courtesy of California Governor’s Office.
Bay Area16 hours ago

Gov. Newsom Looks Back at 2024 Milestones; Presents Vision for 2025

Activism2 days ago

Oakland Post: Week of February 12 – 18, 2025

#NNPA BlackPress2 days ago

NAACP Sues Trump Administration Over Dismantling of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

#NNPA BlackPress2 days ago

Robert Kennedy and Healthcare. Is There Trust?

#NNPA BlackPress3 days ago

American Heart Association Partners with the Black Press for Groundbreaking Black Health Symposium

#NNPA BlackPress3 days ago

American Heart Association Partners with the Black Press for Groundbreaking Black Health Symposium

#NNPA BlackPress3 days ago

WATCH: Changing the Future of Health for Black Communities: Public Health and Media Symposium

#NNPA BlackPress4 days ago

Trump Seizes Control of Kennedy Center, Tightening Grip on American Institutions

#NNPA BlackPress4 days ago

House GOP Pushes Forward Extreme Budget Plan as Project 2025 Fears Become Reality

#NNPA BlackPress4 days ago

Another Push for Reparations for Slavery and Black a Wall Street

#NNPA BlackPress4 days ago

Corporate America Abandons DE&I, But Black-Owned Brands Are the Future

#NNPA BlackPress4 days ago

U.S. Hits New Low in Global Corruption Index as Trump Halts Anti-Bribery Law

#NNPA BlackPress5 days ago

Dr. Jamal Bryant’s 40-Day Target ‘Fast’ Gains Momentum

#NNPA BlackPress5 days ago

OP-ED: Tribute to Coach Leonard Hamilton: a Man of God

#NNPA BlackPress5 days ago

Flu Cases Skyrocket Nationwide, Overwhelming Hospitals and Closing Schools

Trending

Copyright ©2021 Post News Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.