News

Small Victory for Group Fighting Police Terror in the Bay Area

Published

9 years ago

May 24, 2017

Wealth and Disparities Members of Justice for Mario Woods speak with a press officer in the California State Capitol Monday.(L to R): Denise Friday, Dionne Smith, Phelicia Jones, Telon Sanchez and Gwen Woods.

“Wealth and Disparities in the Black Community: Justice 4 Mario Woods” won a victory Monday when their rally on the steps of the State Capitol in Sacramento led to a meeting with aides of Gov. Jerry Brown.

Concerned that elected state officials have been “too quiet” about the police killings of unarmed minorities, spokesperson Phelicia Jones led the group of parents whose children were shot by police and their allies at a Sacramento event they had dubbed “Lobby Day.”

After passing through security, the group of about 20 waved signs and chanted, “No Justice, No Peace, No Racist Police,” until they were halted outside the public meeting space by capitol police.

Insisting that they had the right to see their representatives, especially since the representatives had all been informed that the group was coming, Jones prevailed upon the policeman to allow them to personally deliver to Gov. Brown their prepared documents on police violence in several California cities.

Unable to get a mass meeting, Jones and Gwen Woods, the mother of Mario Woods who was killed by San Francisco police in 2015, were designated as delegates.

The meeting was brief, but Jones and Woods returned with two aides who promised a formal meeting with the governor in the near future.

Gilda Baker, who is trying to prove that her son Diallo Neal was killed by California Highway Patrol in a hit-and-run motorcycle incident in 2008 was pleased. “At least they gave us a moment to let all the mothers talk,” she said.

Woods says she wants nothing less than accountability, seeing Baltimore, MD, prosecutor Marilyn Mosely as the example to follow. To Brown and Kamala Harris, former state attorney general who is now a U.S. senator, Woods asks, “When are you going to put your humanity over politics?”

Dionne Smith, who led a rally on Mother’s Day eve at Stockton City Hall for these parents seeking justice, said she was glad of the meeting but felt there should be more people in the movement. “We need more mothers to come out,” said Smith whose unarmed son James Rivera was killed by Stockton police in 2010.

“Each one should bring one,” said Smith.

Other parents/family members present were Pete Perez, father of Petie Perez Jr., killed by Richmond police; Denise Friday, mother of Colby Friday, killed by Stockton police; and Telon Sanchez, cousin of Jessica Nelson, killed by San Francisco Police.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Up Next

Report: Schaaf’s Administration Builds Market-Rate Housing, Nothing for Low-Income Residents

Don't Miss

Council Committee Passes Motion for Immediate Relief to Homeless Crisis

Oakland Post

Click to comment

Bay Area

IN MEMORIAM: Longtime OUSD Employee Debra King-Cooper, 73

Longtime OUSD Employee Debra King-Cooper, 73 Caption: Debra King-Cooper. Courtesy photo. Special to The Post Debra King-Cooper, a beloved mother, grandmother, queen, sister, church member, caregiver, and matriarch, transitioned peacefully on May 20 surrounded by family and love i

Published

2 days ago

June 17, 2026

bpusa-syndication

Debra King-Cooper. Courtesy photo.

Special to The Post

Debra King-Cooper, a beloved mother, grandmother, queen, sister, church member, caregiver, and matriarch, transitioned peacefully on May 20 surrounded by family and love in the comfort of her home. To her children, she was royalty, grace, strength, and unconditional love embodied.

Debra Diane Edgar was born on May 28, 1952, in San Francisco, California, to Charles Edgar Sr. and Mamie Arthur Edgar. She was raised alongside her younger brother, Charles Edgar Jr., affectionately known as “Little Brother” or “Lil Bruh.” She also shared close bonds with her older siblings Carol Edgar-Lang, Maryann Edgar Calloway, and Lonnie Lewis Sr.

A proud product of San Francisco’s historic Fillmore District, Debra attended Andrew Jackson Elementary School, where she met her lifelong best friend and adopted sister, Lynn Green, in the fifth grade. She later attended Robert Louis Stevenson Elementary School, Roosevelt Junior High School and Thomas Jefferson High School.

Debra’s mother transitioned when she was only 17 years old, and her father transitioned when she was 23. Despite these profound losses, Debra remained grounded through the love and support of extended family and lifelong family friends,

In 1971, she married Harold King. On Sept. 24, 1972, they welcomed their first son, Dajuan Artese King, affectionately called “Pop” or “Poppa.” On Aug. 5, 1976, they welcomed their second son, Dante Dupree King, affectionately called “Tay” or “Taboocoo the Baby.”

After her divorce in 1982, Debra assumed full responsibility for raising her sons.

She supported Dajuan’s passion for football by purchasing sports equipment and attending games faithfully. She supported Dante’s love of music by enrolling him in the San Francisco Boys Choir, Oakland Boys Choir, and the Castlemont Castleers.

Professionally, Debra built an exceptional career. She worked at Blue Shield of California from 1973 until 1994, earning multiple promotions.

She later joined the Oakland Unified School District, initially in a temporary role before being promoted into management within the Labor Relations Department. She retired from OUSD in 2015 after years of distinguished service. During her years at OUSD, she built meaningful friendships with her colleagues.

Faith was central to Debra’s life. During the 1980s, following personal hardship, she joined Love Center Church under the leadership of Bishop Walter Hawkins, where she brought her children regularly. She later became a member of Triumphant: A Church Without Walls Ministries under Pastor Dr. Larry Short, who became a beloved spiritual mentor.

After Triumphant closed in 1992, Debra joined Cosmopolitan Baptist Church in Oakland under the leadership of Pastor Larry Ashley, where she remained for the rest of her life.

At Cosmopolitan, she worked in numerous ministries. She served on the usher board, sang in the choir, participated in the AIDS ministry during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, helped feed and support unhoused community members, and mentored and supported a group of young girls.

After retirement, she cared for older adults in her church community, driving them to appointments, cleaning their homes, managing finances, preparing meals, and helping families navigate funeral arrangements after loved ones transitioned.

Even while battling Stage 4 cancer herself, she continued caring for others.

Debra was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Edgar Sr. and Mamie Arthur Edgar; her brothers, Lonnie Lewis Sr. and Charles Edgar Jr.; her sisters, Maryann Edgar Calloway and Victoria Stephenson Knight; and her adopted mother, Clara Oliver.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved sons, Dajuan King and Dante King; grandson, Tiyler Dajuan Artese King; sister, Carol Edgar-Lang; goddaughters Monique Belle and Ricketa Matthews Jones (Leonard); daughter-in-love Quiona Sullivan; son-in-love Marcel Walker; sister-in-law Delores Lewis; adopted sisters and lifelong friends Lynn Green, Barbara Stephenson Hill, and Sarah Fine; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, her church family and dear friends.

bpusa-syndication

Posts by bpusa-syndication

#NNPA BlackPress

Celebrating Juneteenth – Frederick Douglass on education and resistance

This video from BlackPressUSATV explores the significance of Juneteenth, focusing on the enduring wisdom of Frederick Douglass. It delves into his powerful perspectives on the vital role of education as a tool for liberation and empowerment. Douglass’s words are presented as a cornerstone for understanding the ongoing struggle for equality and the importance of continuous […]
The post Celebrating Juneteenth – Frederick Douglass on education and resistance appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

3 days ago

June 16, 2026

Oakland Post

The content highlights how education and active resistance are intertwined, drawing parallels from historical movements to contemporary challenges. This exploration of Frederick Douglass’s teachings offers valuable insights into the spirit of Juneteenth and its relevance in today’s fight for justice and human rights.

The post Celebrating Juneteenth – Frederick Douglass on education and resistance appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

#NNPA BlackPress

LIVE! — ASK ALMA! — TUES. 6.19.26 7PM EST

Published

3 days ago

June 16, 2026

Oakland Post

Welcome to Ask Alma LIVE — your go-to livestream for real talk, life advice, and honest answers to the questions everyone is thinking about but not always asking.
In this interactive live Q&A, Alma and her guests dive into topics such as relationships, personal growth, decision-making, life challenges, and self-improvement — giving you practical insights you can actually use. Whether you’re feeling stuck, curious, or just need a fresh perspective, this is where clarity begins.
Share your comments and questions LIVE in the chat
Get real-time, thoughtful feedback
Connect with a community focused on growth and truth
If you’re searching for life advice, relationship help, motivation, or personal development tips, you’re in the right place.
Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a livestream.