Town Hall for Justice on BART Review, Mehserle Hearing, & Recall, Oakland, 5/16/09: audio

by dave id

Mon, May 18, 2009 12:08AM

The Town Hall for Justice on May 16th addressed the second public BART meeting on police oversight, the pre-trial hearing in the murder case of Johannes Mehserle set to begin on Monday April 18th, the coming Caravan for Justice III to be held on May 26th, and the recall effort to remove Alameda District Attorney Tom Orloff for his failures in demanding equal justice for all.

Special note was made that Saturday was the 5th birthday of Tatiana, the daughter of Oscar Grant. It was her first birthday without her father.

Town Hall leaders Minister Keith Muhammad and Reverend Daniel Buford both addressed meeting the day before on police oversight at BART and how they assumed personal roles in the related BART subcommittee at the request of Oscar Grant's family.

People were urged to attend Johannes Mehserle's pre-trial hearing which begins Monday, May 18th in Oakland and could run throughout the week. A large gathering of supporters sends a strong message to DA Orloff he needs to vigorously prosecute the murder case against Mehserle.

It was noted that somehow Johannes Mehserle never actually collected and paid the 10% of his $3 million bail that normally is required for pre-trial release from custody. Instead, Mehserle apparently found a bail bondsman who covered the difference for him which is highly unusual.

It was announced that the recall of DA Orloff is proceeding after a second round of signatures was turned in to the proper Alameda County authorities. Further announcements regarding the recall effort will be made at the next Town Hall for Justice on May 23rd.

A reminder was made regarding the upcoming Caravan for Justice III on May 26th. All groups and individuals active or interested in seeking justice for Oscar Grant and other victims of institutional racial oppression were urged to attend and continue to grow the numbers returning to Sacramento to demand reform of unjust laws.

Minister Keith Muhammad speaks first here and addresses all of these issues and more:

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(audio 1:10:34)

The previous Town Hall on 5/9/09 was not recorded for posting here. There was no Town Hall for Justice on May 2nd, as that was the day of the first public BART meeting on police oversight.

Town Hall for Justice on AB312, BART Review, and OPD Complaints, Oakland, 4/25/09: audio
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/04/27/18591561.php

Caravan for Justice III: Tuesday, May 26th
http://www.caravanforjustice.com

Town Hall Meetings
Every Saturday 4pm - 6pm
Olivet Institutional Missionary Baptist Church
807 27th Ave, Oakland

§Reverend Daniel Buford of Allen Temple Baptist Church

by dave id

Mon, May 18, 2009 12:08AM

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(audio 11:29)

Reverend Daniel Buford addresses the BART police oversight meeting the day before and public comment made. He scolds those who spoke against BART's proposal.

§Update on Orloff recall, Reverend Henry Williams, and related announcements

by dave id

Mon, May 18, 2009 12:08AM

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(audio 20:49)

Minister Keith Muhammad gives an update on the recall of DA Orloff. Reverend Henry Williams speaks about the importance of cop watching. Other announcements about upcoming events are made.

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