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Join a Speak-Out or Make Music to Express Yourself If a "Not Guilty" Verdict Comes Down

by City of Oakland

If a "not guilty" verdict comes down in the Mehserle/Oscar Grant murder trial, we know many young people will feel a sense of outrage, anger and injustice. We ask that you be BOTH committed to social justice by putting an end to police brutality AND a peaceful and thriving Oakland.

  • There's no question - Police brutality is wrong.
  • Many Oaklanders will be angry, but the question is what do we do with our anger?  Do we use it to make change or do we use it to destroy each other and our community?
  • There are constructive ways to have your voice heard - join a speak-out or make music to express yourself.  Check out websites of some of the many Oakland organizations dedicated to social justice issues:

o Urban Peace Movement - http://urbanpeacemovement.org

o Ella Baker Center for Human Rights - www.ellabakercenter.org

o Youth Together - www.youthtogether.net

o Youth UpRising – www.youthuprising.org

  • Beware of 'outside agitators' who are not from Oakland and who will try to incite violence.  Oakland is OUR HOME, it's not theirs, and they don't care if we mess our city up.  And, they won't be there for you if YOU get caught-up by the police. 
  • Let's not let these agitators make a bad situation worse

On the day the verdict is released the following Parks and Recreation Centers and youth serving organizations will be open as places for you to cool off and express yourself in positive ways:

  • East Bay Asian Youth Center – 2025 East 12th St/ 533-1092
  • Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center – 7701 Krause Avenue/615-5755
  • Mosswood Recreation Center - 3612 Webster Street/597-5038
  • Youth UpRising – 8711 MacArthur Blvd./777-1163

Go to www.oaklandnet.com for more information about preparations for the verdict and for updates on street closures, etc. on the day of the verdict.

Thank you to the Urban Peace Movement for formulating some of the above content.

by City of Oakland
The trial of former BART police officer Johannes Mehserle is underway in Los Angeles and moving quickly;
a verdict could be announced in late June.

Message from Mayor Ron Dellums and Chief Batts on a United Oakland:

We are united as a city and a community, and we are dedicated to ensuring the safe expressions of emotions during this difficult time. We understand that the community is grieving, and we are in this together. We will get through this together.
There are many people ready to help begin the healing process and they have opened their doors to allow us to express our grief in a healthy manner that will not endanger our safety, livelihood or reputation as a city. We are asking for the community to come together, look out for one another, and stay safe.

We will not tolerate destruction or violence. We live here, and we love Oakland.

Simple Steps to Help Keep Oakland Safe

We anticipate that regardless of the verdict reached by the jury, demonstrations could occur in downtown Oakland, and potentially throughout the city. The City is committed to facilitating peaceful demonstrations. And we are prepared to deal with the situation if it turns violent. Here are some simple steps you can take:

Stay tuned to your local TV and radio stations for information.

On the day the verdict is announced, if possible park your car in a secure location.

Remove or secure large trash receptacles.

Let employees know they have the option to close the business and get to a safe location.

Consider stocking up on plywood and supplies to board up your business, if necessary. These companies provide board-up services: Purofirst (510) 48-454; Four Star Clean (510) 79-590; 911 Restoration Services (510) 52-113. Contact your private insurance company for other companies.

Be sure your business is well lit. Good lighting increases visibility—and also increases the effectiveness of any closed circuit TV system.

If you have a closed circuit TV, be sure it is in good working order and is turned on. Save recordings of documented criminal activity.

Make sure your building has good quality locks on the doors and windows. Deadbolt locks are a must for exterior doors.

All exterior doors with a gap exposing the door jam should be covered with a steel plate to prevent the door from being pried open.

Leave the cash drawer empty and open after business hours.

If your business is damaged, take photographs if possible.

For crimes in progress and other emergencies, dial 91. If using a cell phone, dial (510) 77-321.

Report any suspicious activity to OPD by calling the non-emergency number: (510) 77-333.
Stay Informed

We will post regular information updates on our web site: http://www.oaklandnet.com.

To receive emergency alerts by email or wireless device, subscribe to our alert system. On the lower left hand side of the City’s home page, look for “Email Updates” and select “emergency alerts.”

Follow us on Twitter: oaklandpoliceca

If you don’t have a computer, call (510) 444-CITY for information and/or recorded updates.
by fuck these collaborators!
fuck these collaborators!
by total BS
it's not about people expressing themselves or merely coping but fighting for justice by whatever means are available

they might as well have suggested "talk to the hand" after the verdict
by mb
This looks like it will be extremely BORING! and merely a distraction
by check it

Justice or Just Us? Beyond the Hype of the Mehserle Trial
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/07/01/18652398.php

A Friendly and Open Letter to East Bay Clergy, Non-Profit Executives, and Elected Official
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/07/01/18652396.php

Lessons Never Learned: Nonprofits and the State, Redux
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/06/30/18652347.php

Join a Speak-Out or Make Music to Express Yourself If a "Not Guilty" Verdict Comes Down
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/06/30/18652326.php

Message to the Community Regarding the Upcoming Oscar Grant Verdict
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/06/30/18652323.php

To Everybody Coming Out to 14th and Broadway on Verdict Day
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/06/30/18652296.php

Racism Fuels the Possibility of Acquittal and Rebellion : Chronicle of a Riot Foretold
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/06/30/18652279.php

Update: Next Non-Profit Dellums Police Collaboration Meeting
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/06/23/18651684.php

Non-profits and Mayor Dellum's Office meet to prevent "violence" from Mehserle verdict
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/06/23/18651609.php
by AoT
It is pretty clear that the only time anyone listens to us in Oakland is when there is violence or disruptions. The media doesn't care about what people have to say and the politicians don't either.
by konsider
I think Oscar Grant is probably only going to get involuntary manslaughter but I am not altogether sure. If so, he wouldn't get a very serious sentence but whether it might be enough to appease people, and undermine unrest, remains to be seen.

What "a peaceful and thriving Oakland" entails is a total deconstruction of the current city machinery with which police brutality is able to operate. How that comes about isn't going to arrive by non--violence. I am not trying to say revolution is a pretty thing. I am just stating a fact.
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