Feature Archives

Diverse communities in the U.S. have been standing together to bring about social change at the grassroots level in an unprecedented wave of euphoria set off by the inauguration of Barack Obama. Whether in public meetings, workshops, or protests the unity of purpose and momentum is palpable. What will it take to translate that human energy into real change?

On Thursday, February 12th, community activists attended a BART Board of Directors meeting to voice their concerns about the inadequate response to the abuse and murder of Oscar Grant III on January 1st. Activists assumed control of the meeting and unfurled a banner in the room. Three demands were issued. Demonstrators then worked their way through the Board asking them one by one to publicly commit to the demands. Activists promised that "more, much more is coming," unless BART accedes to the community's demands for more accountability and transparency.

On Thursday, February 12th, scientists, educators and students will observe a worldwide celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Robert Darwin. Darwin's insight that all biological species have evolved from common ancestors through natural selection, which he first discussed in his monumental book On the Origin of Species in 1859, and then expanded upon 12 years later in The Descent of Man, has become a cornerstone of modern biology.

UPDATE: Former BART officer Johannes Mehserle made bail and was released Friday afternoon.

On Friday the 6th, many organizations called for a day of resistance to police brutality. At 9AM at the Wiley W. Manuel courthouse in Oakland, many of the over 130 people arrested for protesting the police murder of Oscar Grant had their arraignments. The Oakland 100 Support Committee called for a show of support. On the same day and court, a pre-trial hearing was scheduled but postponed for Stafani Tang stemming from demonstrations at the Marine Recruiting Station at Berkeley. At 3PM, families of victims of police murder and supporters gathered for a "March of Stolen Lives" at Frank Ogawa Plaza.

Local groups plan to show support for the more than 130 people arrested protesting the death of Oscar Grant during the month of January on Friday, February 6th and Monday, February 9th starting at 8:30 a.m. at Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse, 661 Washington St, Oakland. Many of those facing charges ranging from misdemeanor rioting to various felonies will have their arraignments on these days.

On January 30th, bail for BART police officer Johannes Mehserle was set at $3 million. Protesters gathered outside the courthouse and marched toward 14th and Broadway after the bail was announced. Oakland police fired tear gas and projectiles at protesters and later blocked off several roads. At least nine people were tackled and arrested for "failure to disperse." On January 31st, a demonstration was held at Oakland City Hall. Around 50 people gathered despite the large number of police present. Demonstrators read their demands for police accountability.

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) placed United Healthcare Workers (UHW) West in trusteeship on January 27. UHW members work in hospitals, convalescent facilities, and in home care. The International wanted to remove 65,000 members from UHW and put them into another, newly formed local, while UHW wanted the plan to be decided by a democratic vote of the members. UHW supporters held a rally and march on the evening of January 27 to protest the action.