Over 3,000 residents gather
for violence prevention meeting

By Aqueila M. Lewis

More than 3,000 people from Oakland Community Organizations (OCO) and other faithbased and community groups packed the Oakland Marriot Convention Center on Thursday for an action meeting.

   Under the theme of “Save Lives Now,” organizers said that they are committed to reducing homicide and gun violence.
    In the last decade, 1,059 people have been murdered in Oakland.

   “We are all here for ourselves and for the safety of Oakland,” said Reverend George Cummings and Pastor Lucy Kolin. “We believe that to end violence and build a solid future is through education and strong community partnerships.”
    OCO leaders studied national best practices and tactics and presented their findings of data, research and testimonies to council members, city officials, police officers and school board members.
    The leaders requested that city officials pass resolutions and coordinate city resources that can be used for violence prevention, intervention and enforcement. They asked the officials to focus available resources on people who are most at risk for gun violence. Specifically, they called for improved access to conflict mediation, economic opportunities and meaningful alternatives to crime.
    In addition, OCO leaders passed a petition to put an initiative on the ballot in November to increase funding for youth services.
    “We looked at the successes of other cities who were dedicated to gun and violence prevention,” explained Reverend Dawn Humphery and Michael Wharton. “We want to empower the community to take a stance on its own. We believe the strategy will work.”
    Attendees included Oakland City Council members Nancy Nadel, Ignacio De La Fuente, Larry Reid and Jean Quan, Assemblyman Sandré Swanson, and representatives of Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Assemblywoman Loni Hancock, Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley, Oakland School Board President David Kakishiba and Mayor Ron Dellums.
    Participants listened to performances and testimonies from survivors of gun violence, the St. Louis Bertrand Spanish Choir, Silence the Violence, KOV Records, Turf Unity Project and Oakland residents Yolanda Steen, Tyrone Stevenson (Scaper Bike King), Maria Sanchez, Leslicka Hardy and Kenya Fletcher.
    “It’s important to demonstrate power,” said Steen. “Ultimately we’re all connected, and that’s the way I feel. I don’t think anyone can afford to say this is not my problem. If you live in Oakland, this is your problem.”
    For more information about OCO, call Angie Taylor at (510) 639-1444, ex. 312, or visit www.oaklandcommunity.org.