January 1, 2019, marked ten years since the murder of Oscar Grant by BART police officer Johannes Mehserle. A number of news pieces have been produced to commemorate the anniversary, but it's rare to see significant tribute paid to the fact that were it not for efforts of protesters and activists, Oscar Grant would have received little to no justice.

As movements achieve success, it it not uncommon for those who first stood up — those who may have offended polite society, those who took the most risks or paid the highest prices — to become overlooked as the history is written and commemorated. The tendency is for credit for social justice advances to land with politicians and other authority figures who only acted after popular pressure became too much to them to bear.

What actually propelled the movement toward justice were rebellions and protests. Thousands of people raised their voices for justice for Oscar Grant. Despite the obstacles, Oakland's radical fight for justice proceeded of its own accord, asserted its right to assemble, and never sought permits from the city for any rally, protest, or march.

Read More | The Legacy of Oscar Grant and the Unsung Heroes of the Oscar Grant Movement

Related Features: Oakland Remembers Oscar Grant on Tenth Anniversary of His Murder | Justice for Oscar Grant Archive at Indybay.org