Police officers form a line near protesters in Oakland, California. Oakland was one of several cities across the country where protesters marched to protest the recent deaths of Alton Sterling (Louisiana) and Philando Castile (Minnesota), two black men who were killed by police officers.
The city of Oakland has seen its share of protests — from Oscar Grant to the Occupy movement, to Thursday night’s march in the wake of the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. In the past, many of these demonstrations have resulted in heated clashes between protesters and police officers. In contrast, many attendees reported that last night’s protest was a mostly peaceful affair, and that officers “kept their distance” from participants.
Youth Radio reached out to Oakland Police Captain Leronne Armstrong and Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf to get their thoughts on last night’s protests, and how the deaths of Sterling and Castile impact the way the community views the police.
Police officers form a line near protesters in Oakland, California. Oakland was one of several cities across the country where protesters marched to protest the recent deaths of Alton Sterling (Louisiana) and Philando Castile (Minnesota), two black men who were killed by police officers.
Signs shown in support of an intersectional struggle.
“It’s an ongoing systematic threat and it’s disgusting what communities of colors face every day. We have to stand up. It’s deadly.” -Urvi Nagrani, protester
A protestor named Amira wears a hat which reads “America Was Never Great.” Amira told Youth Radio, “Donald Trump says America was once great but that has never really been true for women, people of color, queer people, trans people.”
“We’re American too. And, we want to live. He wants to live. He wants to be an astronaut. I want him to see this so he can grow up not fearing the police but just being aware.” -Lele Dunson, protestor
“I think the answer is no, which is why I’m out here.” -Monty, protester
OPD headquarters after protesters coated the entrance in red paint.
