This Saturday, February 12th marks the kickoff of the Oscar Grant Foundation, named for the victim of one of the most shocking police killings ever caught on tape. From 10:00am to 3:00pm at the East Oakland Youth Development Center is a Day of Empowerment and Opportunity specifically for young men ages 16-34. The services provided include opportunities to Expunge Your Criminal Record, and speak with representatives from the Cypress Mandela Certification Program, the Laney College Workforce Development Program, and the Men Of Valor Employment Training Program. You can also receive Mental Health Counseling, and get information about Drug Treatment Programs.
Later that evening, at 6:00pm at the Eastside Cultural Art Cente, is The Grant Station Project, which features various arts inspired by Oscar Grant. Musical performances and artist commentary will be hosted by Comedian Donald Lacy. This is an all ages event. Donations will be accepted and nobody will be turned away. If you have art inspired by Oscar Grant and would love to share your work, please contact the Oscar Grant Foundation at oscargrantfoundation@gmail.com
The mission of the The Oscar Grant Foundation is to provide a bridge for better communication between the police force and the community, to provide educational training in life skills, support for children, youth, and families in need throughout California, nationally, and internationally. I for one am inspired to see the Grant family turn this horrible tragedy into much needed work for a suffering families and communities. Below is the video I made in the wake of Oscar Grant's execution, I'm humbled they have chosen to show it at this historic event.