Many of you have heard about last week's police shooting of Oscar Grant, an unarmed 22 year old in Oakland. ( if you haven't please see LatinoDem's excellent diary on the subject here ).
While i've seen lots of reaction to the story, i've seen very little info on constructive things to actually do about it. So here are five things (compiled by Makani Themba-Nixon) that you should do right now to respond to the senseless death of this 22 year old Black man.
( many thanks to Jonathan Adams at the Colorlines Blog )
(I apologize if these actions have been posted already on the site.)
1. Digg the story so that the national media can pick up on it
2. Contact BART Director Carole Ward Allen and demand that 1) the officers involved be taken off duty without pay and charged and fully prosecuted; 2) there be an independent investigation of the shooting that includes a review of training and hiring practices; and 3) BART establish an independent residents’ review board for the police Call her at 510-464-6095 or email the BART Directors at BoardofDirectors@bart.gov
3. Call the BART police to complain about the officers’ conduct and demand immediate action: Internal Affairs: Sergeant David Chlebowski 510.464.7029,dchlebo@bart.gov; Chief of Police: Gary Gee 510.464.7022, ggee@bart.gov
Call them toll free at 877.679.7000 and press the last four digits of the phone number you wish to reach.
4. Talk it up on your blogs, networks and talk radio shows (call Michael Baisden 877-6BADBOY or Rev. Al, etc. to get this on the national radar)
5. Join thr facebook group Justice For Oscar Grant
6. Stay tuned for other actions, protests, etc., especially if you are in the Bay.
Please do something
****UPDATE
#7 Help the The Courage Campaign pass legislation forcing BART to create a civilian oversight board. Sign the petition here.
( Thanks eugene )