(audio 3:17:28)

The gathering at the Humanist Hall was the event of the day that most incorporated youth and all spectrums of the community of Oakland residents interested in justice for Oscar Grant. There were no pre-conditions on what could or could not be said at the event.

In a disruptive move by the Oakland Police Department, several armed OPD officers with "Negotiator" labels on their backs entered the Humanist Hall before speakers and performers began. OPD walked through the venue and around the grounds out back. Everyone inside the crowded hall got incredibly edgy with their presence. OPD then agreed to stay across the street from the venue throughout the evening, apparently satisfied with their recon mission through the building and back yard.

Once the last of the OPD interruptions were done with, the show began. Organizer headcounts showed nearly 200 people present at one point, not counting those who came and went through the night. An alter to honor Oscar Grant was set up inside the hall. There was an exhibit of photos from early 2009 by Keba Konte, and there was live art by Desi, including the creation of two paintings of Oscar Grant during the event. The program included multi-faith representatives, performing artists, speakers, and a couple of videos shown on a big screen.

Tony Coleman MCd the event. Speakers and performers included Dr. Ramona Tasco - Faith Speaker; Rev. Humphreys - Faith Speaker; Boots - Rap (acapella); Min. Keith - Faith Speaker; Andrea - Song; Miss Jada Simone - Song; Salih Muhammad - Faith/Youth Speaker; David from Revolution Club - Speaker (held at juvenile hall after Oscar Grant rebellion till public protest got him released); Opi - Spoken Word, also with Revolution Club; Hannibal - Speaker, Oakland Assembly; Diamond and Silence the Violence - Rap (ensemble); Cat - Spoken Word; Diva - Song; Dee Allen - Spoken Word (UC8 arrestee); Dumpster - Spoken Word; Usual Suspects, project of the Paid Poets Society - Poetry; Black Azz - Comedy; J.R. - Speaker & Intro Mumia CD (still facing bogus felony charges from Oscar Grant rebellion); Mumia Abu Jamal, pre-recorded speaking about Oscar Grant case; Baby Jamaica - Rap; Kevin Cooper Letter - Read by Askari X's daughter, w/ Silence the Violence; Mistah F.A.B. - Showed Tribute Video; Be Real, Be Funny - Comedy; JACK - Speaker + Cephus; Selassie - Rap; B Janky of Trunk Boiz - Rap; Ise Lyfe - Spoken Word; Sherri - Poetry; Don Juan - Speaker, Oakland Assembly, host organization (which includes many individuals & organizations).

While it was a long road getting to the Humanist Hall community gathering, and some bitter feelings linger about obstacles thrown in the way of organizing efforts, the event itself was highly successful and organizers hope to host similar events and other actions for justice in the future.


Thanks to the good folks at the Humanist Hall for sticking up for the event despite pressure to not allow it to happen. Thanks to Uhuru Solidarity Oakland for providing the yummy vegan chili and cornbread. Personal thanks to Ray Jax for the very thorough notes on the evening line-up of speakers and performers.


January 7th: Public Meeting of the General Assembly for Justice for Oscar Grant
Continental Club, 1658 12th St., West Oakland (between Campbell & Willow)


January 8th: Oscar Grant murder trial begins in Los Angeles
http://la.indymedia.org/calendar/event_display_detail.php?event_id=7942

January 12: Demand Strong Civilian Oversight at Assembly Hearing on BART Police Oversight
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/12/22/18633424.php

January 13th: Anniversary of Mehserle's Arrest Fundraiser for O100 Holly Works and JR
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/01/07/18634627.php