Pictures of the riots that popped off in Oakland last night could have been posted, but if you’ve been watching the news or reading it online, then you’ve already been bombarded with the way the media has sensationalized the events of yesterday.  Looping footage of the burning car and folks stomping on the hood of cop cars.  What was barely shown was how organized most of the rally was.  The NY Times had a piece that distorted what went on and failed to quote any of the community folks in attendance.  Also, what’s with the lack of footage showing police shooting rubber bullets and tear gas?

Fortunately there are some good sources out there, such as Indy Media’s breakdown of the events as they occurred.

At the Fruitvale BART station, which was successfully shut down, passion and emotion filled the crowd of what was estimated to be around 700.  People that were down to say their piece were allowed to as a mic was set up for them to do so.  I sensed the elements of a powder keg in the air, but thats what happens when folks have their backs against the wall.  In Greece, the people rioted because of the spark that was set from the police murder of a 14 year old kid.  Just like in Greece, what happened in Oakland was a culmination of many things.  The people have been neglected by the institution, and where attention has been given, it is through police presence.  This is also a build up of Sean Bell, Amadou Diallo, and all others who have been victims and targets of this police state against communities of color and the youth.

-Ninoy Brown

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 8th, 2009 at 11:34 am and is filed under Police, Race, Yay Bidness, Youth. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.