Cynthia McKinney helps raise funds for the Oscar Grant movement

Cynthia McKinney helps raise funds for the Oscar Grant movement
by Jonathan Nack

OAKLAND - Cynthia McKinney appeared tonight at a fundraiser in Oakland for the Oscar Grant movement at The Black Dot Cafe, 1195 Pine Street. The former member of Congress, and Green Party Presidential candidate, introduced a 15 minute version of the film, “Operation Small Axe.” http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/11/10/18628283.php

The film takes a community view of the significance of the killing of Oscar Grant, on January 1, 2009, by Bart Police Officer Johannes Mehserle. McKinney said she has shown the film not only around the U. S., but in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, in order to discuss the political issues it raises.

McKinney told the audience she was, “stunned that the Mayor of Oakland isn't more responsive to the needs of Oakland's residents.”

The benefit raised funds for the legal defense of J.R., aka The Minister of Defense, and Holly Work, the last two remaining defendants of the “Oakland 100” who were arrested in the uprising following the slaying of Oscar Grant. http://www.sfbayview.com/2010/justice-for-oscar-grant-jan-6-8-in-la-jan-13-in-oakland

Work told the audience that, “I was arrested despite doing absolutely nothing wrong.” She said she's charged with felony assault of a police officer simply for being in the area of the protest.

J.R. is a prominent local activist and journalist with The Block Report radio show on KPFA and San Francisco Bay View Newspaper.

Funds raised will also go to fund travel to L.A. for the Mehserle trial by activists in the Oscar Grant movement, in order to make sure the community's presence is felt there.