(Picture from: http://basementelevation.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/ba-bartshoot_fun_0499631920.jpg)Many of you have heard about the young black man who was shot in the back while lying face down on the ground by an Oakland, Calif., transit police officer. If you have been under a rock and haven’t heard, On New Year’s Day a fight broke out among some young men riding in a Bay Area Rapid Transit train. Transit police arrived on the scene to settle the altercation, handcuffing young men who were believed to have been involved and placing them on the ground. It seems as if 22-year-old Oscar Grant III was cooperating with police while sitting on the ground when all of a sudden two officers forced him down onto his stomach, one officer with his knee to Oscar’s neck and the other on top of him trying to pull Oscar’s arms behind his back. Oscar’s friends (some of whom were even sitting next to him on the ground), bystanders (both on and outside of the train) and even transit officers were shocked when 27-year-old officer Johannes Mehserle stood up from being on top of Oscar and shot him in his back.
Oscar’s death has caused many riots on Oakland’s streets as well as in the BART station. One concern that many of the Oakland citizens have is the disconnection between them and their city officials. Mayor Ron V. Dellums was slow responding about this tragic event. The main reason why he “reached out” to the city was reportedly to get people to stop protesting in the streets. Mayor Dellums appeared at a riot in downtown Oakland only to be brushed off and ignored by citizens because of his lack of credibility. Citizens are pointing the finger at city officials because they are never seen and only come out to address the public when tragic events like this take place.
Oakland city officials like many other cities, have some work to do in the PR department. It is unbelievable that mayors and city councilmen can get away with not communicating with their publics. Things such as town meetings and forums should be provided to citizens so that they may express their needs and wants for the city.
In your opinion, what are some things that Oakland city officials can do to regain their credibility with citizens?
(Picture from: http://www.bendib.com/black/1-15-Oscar-Grant-III.jpg)
-Armegan Anderson
