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Wiki History: Marches 2
Hello and welcome back to robinlofton.com where we are remembering history and we’re making history. Today, we are continuing with our wiki history podcast series about marches and protests. March seems like the perfect month for this interesting topic.
America is legendary for its famous marches and protests. From the furtive Boston Tea Party to the legendary March on Washington and beyond, the United States is a country of marching and protesting. With its diverse citizenry and constitutionally protected speech, people feel free to take to the streets, wave a sign, hold hands, and shout, march, sit or even lay down.
In the first podcast, we discussed two famous marches: the March from Selma to Montgomery (or the bloody Sunday march), about which a recent biopic film was recently released. I just saw it and think that it was a fantastic film that portrayed the problem (voting rights for African Americans), the marches and the players in a fair and realistic light. Then, of course, we discussed the famous March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom where Dr. Martin Luther King made his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. These mega-marches are remembered for several reasons and they are now a part of U.S. (and perhaps world) history. I hope that you have already heard that podcast but, if not, then feel free to go back and listen to it. I also mentioned several books and DVDs that are worth reading or watching and that are available at robinlofton.com.
The marches in today’s podcast have a slightly different flavor than the Selma March and the March on Washington. And that is where we are beginning today.
Remember I mentioned that today’s podcast would focus on marches in a particular city. I did not tell you the name of the city but I gave you a hint: this city has been called a “hotbed of radical activism.” Did you guess which city that I was talking about?
Oakland, California!
The city of Oakland has hosted and continues to host many marches—some organized, some not. Sometimes these demonstrations turned violent but most marches only involved people who are peacefully expressing their dissatisfaction with a particular issue or event.
Yes, Oakland has been coined a “hotbed of radical activism.” Example: Oakland was home to the Black Panthers who were active from the mid-1960s through the early 1980s. The Black Panthers organized grassroots activities in the African American community to educate the community, particularly African American children, fight police brutality, promote civil and political rights, and to proclaim frustration with community leaders, courts, or law enforcement. At that time, the Black Panther Party would follow police patrols to witness police activity such as brutality, distribute breakfasts to school children, and offer self-defense courses. In recent years, other groups have taken the helm and continued Oakland’s “radical” activism through speech making, marching, and rallying. The Black Panthers have stepped aside and other groups are taking the helm.
One particular year was particularly interesting: 2013.
The summer of 2013 was a “hot” season of community activism in Oakland and around the country. At the time of the 50 anniversary of the March on Washington (August 28, 1963), Oakland remained at the forefront of the grassroots movement toward equality, justice, and fairness.
Four marches in Oakland are notable in the summer of 2013:
1. Zimmerman Verdict Marches
Reason for March: Justice for Trayvon Martin
In 2012, George Zimmerman, a self-appointed neighborhood watchman, killed 17-year old Trayvon Martin. On July 13, 2013, Zimmerman was acquitted of all charges, including the 2nd degree murder and manslaughter. Marches and protests erupted throughout the country expressing outrage over the quick and perceived unjust verdict. In Oakland, people took to the streets to express their anger, frustration, and disillusionment with the criminal justice system.
For nearly one week, people demonstrated in Oakland to demand justice for Trayvon Martin and his family. More than 750 people of all backgrounds protested and marched their way through Oakland. Interstate highway, I-880, was temporarily shut down. Most of the marches and protests were peaceful but noticeable.
However, some protesters vandalized Oakland businesses and scuffled with police. Many people asserted that these “fringe” activists did not represent the majority of Oaklanders or the African American community.
Still, Oakland lived up to its reputation as a strong and powerful player on the marches and protests front. Its broad-based group of political activists made a strong showing of support for justice for Trayvon Martin and opposing racism in the criminal justice system.
2. Twelve-Man March
Reason for March: Bring awareness to the dangers of racial profiling
A small, but equally important, march was organized in Oakland on July 19, 2013. During this march, twelve African American men marched to Oakland’s city hall. All the men wore business attire: suit, tie, dress shoes, etc. All the African American men presented as businessmen. They peacefully marched to city hall holding signs condemning racial profiling and the negative portrayal of African American men in the media.
In speeches at Frank Ogawa Hall, the protesters cited the killing of Trayvon Martin and Alan Blueford. Both were African American, young, and unarmed when they were killed by law enforcement. No one was convicted in either killing. Racial profiling was asserted to be the cause that identified these young men as dangerous though unsupported by the evidence.
3. Oscar Grant Marches
Reason for Demonstration: Justice for Oscar Grant
On January 1, 2009, 22-year old Oscar Grant was killed by BART police officer, Johannes Mehserle, at Oakland’s Fruitvale BART station. He served 11 months for the killing.
There were several marches in the weeks following Oscar Grant’s killing as well as during subsequent court hearings and trial. On January 7, 2009, more than 250 people marched at the Fruitvale station. Other marches were held at San Francisco’s Embarcadero station. Another similar march was organized on January 30. Both marches were organized to memorialize Oscar Grant and the other victims of police brutality. Protesters were also criticizing BART’s investigation of the killing as inadequate and cursory.
The Oscar Grant marches were described as both peaceful and organized as well as rowdy and raucous. Some of the marches involved protesters carrying signs and chanting for change. Other protesters turned violent and destroyed property, primarily in Oakland’s Broadway and 14th street district. Trashcans were thrown, cars were burned, and windows were broken by groups of self-described “anarchists”. Grant’s family held a press conference to call for calm and peace as a tribute to their deceased son. Mayor Ron Dellums joined the Grant family’s plea. Still, most of the protests by Oaklanders were peaceful and focused on remembering and providing justice for Oscar Grant and his family.
Similar marches were held for Alan Blueford, Ezell Ford and others killed by law enforcement in Oakland.
4. Occupy Oakland Marches
Reason for Demonstrations: Bring awareness to social and economic inequality and keep public services open in Oakland.
The Occupy movement holds demonstrations and marches throughout the United States and in 81 other countries worldwide. There is an Occupy movement office located in nearly every major American city. Oakland is no exception and, in fact, the Occupy movement has been very active in the city of Oakland.
The Occupy Oakland movement supports solidarity with the worldwide Occupy Movement and its opposition to the economic and social inequality that exists worldwide. Specific to Oakland, the Occupy Movement also opposes gang injunctions, youth curfews, and the closures of libraries and schools in Oakland.
The first demonstration was held on October 10, 2011 attended by approximately 300 people. Direct action by Occupy Oakland protesters included rallies, marches and speeches. Several dozen people also set up tents at the Frank Ogawa plaza in front of Oakland’s city hall building. This first Occupy Oakland demonstration lasted fifteen days and attracted 2,500 people. Demonstrations have included clergy, union members, and students.
A second demonstration was held on October 26, 2011, which was attended by 3,000 protesters. It was a peaceful protest.
Subsequent demonstrations and rallies have been organized throughout Oakland, including by Lake Merritt and the Oakland Public Library. Downtown Oakland has been a focus area for the movement. On January 28, 2013 the Occupy Movement organized a “move-in” day on which it occupied an abandoned building and converted it into a social center.
Local government’s response to the Occupy Oakland movement was positive and supportive. In the beginning, many local politicians supported the movement’s goals and actions to clean up the city and keep local services open and available to the community. Several local politicians attended and spoke at rallies organized by Occupy Oakland.
However, law enforcement has, at times, been characterized as aggressive and violent toward the protesters. Tents have been torn down, barricades set up around the demonstrators, and numerous arrests have been made. Oaklanders responded that the police reaction was overly aggressive, violent, and chaotic. Still, the Oakland Occupy movement continues and is gaining support.
And Oakland has had many more marches in support of Eric Garner who died when officers placed a choke-hold on him. In this particular march, people chanted “I can’t breathe!”
Oakland was also host to a march to protest the killing of Michael Brown. People marched with their hands up, to commemorate Michael Brown’s position with a police office in Ferguson, Missouri shot and killed him.
Because of the strong atmosphere of civil protest and involvement, Oakland has a long history of African Americans in government. Congresswoman Barbara Lee is a powerful representative in Oakland who works tirelessly to eradicate poverty, extend unemployment assistance for long-term unemployed persons ensure adequate health care as a human right. She was also one of the few representatives to question authorizing military force in Syria. There is a fantastic blog post about the great work of Barbara Lee on robinlofton.com. Ronald Dellums is another long-standing Congressional representative for the people of Oakland. He was an important figure is supporting peoples’ park in Berkeley and challenging the Vietnam War.
Oakland also has an impressive list of Black mayors. In 1977, Oakland elected its first Black mayor, Lionel Wilson who served for three terms after which Elihu Harris took the helm. After serving in Congress, Ron Dellums returned to Oakland and was elected mayor in 2007.
Many people mistakenly believe that the Berkeley is “THE place” for civil dissent. However, Oakland with its diverse and strongly opinionated population is at the forefront of a movement in which the community demands a just, fair, and safe society. Perhaps the next March on Washington will be held in Oakland.
Well, this concludes our wiki history podcast about marches that occurred in that “hotbed of radical activism” known as Oakland, California. I hope that you enjoyed it and learned a little something about this great but sometimes overlooked city. I have a lot of respect for the city for many reasons. Yes, it is the city where I was born. But it is a strong, multicultural hotbed of free speech and free thought with a strong ethical foundation. Marches are an important part of this city’s history and everyone is included in demanding a “more perfect union.”
In the final wiki history podcast on Marches, we will examine why we march, the importance of marches. In this final podcast in the marches series, I will discuss Dr. Martin Luther King’s views on marches, why they are important and how they can create change. Be prepared for interesting insights and a few surprises. And, as always, I would like to hear your views about whether you think that marches are important. Or are they just a waste of time and energy? Everyone has a right to their opinion and you’re free to share them at robinlofton.com soon to be rememberinghistory.com.
And please remember that for every time that someone listens to these podcasts in March, I will donate $1 to the Association for the Study of African American Life & History. Founded by Carter G. Woodson—the father of Black History month—this organization works tirelessly to keep African American history alive and respected around the world. Feel free to visit them at asalh.org.
And feel free to visit robinlofton.com or rememberinghistory.com. I hope to hear your comments and marching experiences. And I hope that that you will join me for the next marches podcast where we are remembering history and we’re making it.
Bye for now!
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By Robin Lofton
3.5
22 ratings
Hello and welcome back to robinlofton.com where we are remembering history and we’re making history. Today, we are continuing with our wiki history podcast series about marches and protests. March seems like the perfect month for this interesting topic.
America is legendary for its famous marches and protests. From the furtive Boston Tea Party to the legendary March on Washington and beyond, the United States is a country of marching and protesting. With its diverse citizenry and constitutionally protected speech, people feel free to take to the streets, wave a sign, hold hands, and shout, march, sit or even lay down.
In the first podcast, we discussed two famous marches: the March from Selma to Montgomery (or the bloody Sunday march), about which a recent biopic film was recently released. I just saw it and think that it was a fantastic film that portrayed the problem (voting rights for African Americans), the marches and the players in a fair and realistic light. Then, of course, we discussed the famous March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom where Dr. Martin Luther King made his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. These mega-marches are remembered for several reasons and they are now a part of U.S. (and perhaps world) history. I hope that you have already heard that podcast but, if not, then feel free to go back and listen to it. I also mentioned several books and DVDs that are worth reading or watching and that are available at robinlofton.com.
The marches in today’s podcast have a slightly different flavor than the Selma March and the March on Washington. And that is where we are beginning today.
Remember I mentioned that today’s podcast would focus on marches in a particular city. I did not tell you the name of the city but I gave you a hint: this city has been called a “hotbed of radical activism.” Did you guess which city that I was talking about?
Oakland, California!
The city of Oakland has hosted and continues to host many marches—some organized, some not. Sometimes these demonstrations turned violent but most marches only involved people who are peacefully expressing their dissatisfaction with a particular issue or event.
Yes, Oakland has been coined a “hotbed of radical activism.” Example: Oakland was home to the Black Panthers who were active from the mid-1960s through the early 1980s. The Black Panthers organized grassroots activities in the African American community to educate the community, particularly African American children, fight police brutality, promote civil and political rights, and to proclaim frustration with community leaders, courts, or law enforcement. At that time, the Black Panther Party would follow police patrols to witness police activity such as brutality, distribute breakfasts to school children, and offer self-defense courses. In recent years, other groups have taken the helm and continued Oakland’s “radical” activism through speech making, marching, and rallying. The Black Panthers have stepped aside and other groups are taking the helm.
One particular year was particularly interesting: 2013.
The summer of 2013 was a “hot” season of community activism in Oakland and around the country. At the time of the 50 anniversary of the March on Washington (August 28, 1963), Oakland remained at the forefront of the grassroots movement toward equality, justice, and fairness.
Four marches in Oakland are notable in the summer of 2013:
1. Zimmerman Verdict Marches
Reason for March: Justice for Trayvon Martin
In 2012, George Zimmerman, a self-appointed neighborhood watchman, killed 17-year old Trayvon Martin. On July 13, 2013, Zimmerman was acquitted of all charges, including the 2nd degree murder and manslaughter. Marches and protests erupted throughout the country expressing outrage over the quick and perceived unjust verdict. In Oakland, people took to the streets to express their anger, frustration, and disillusionment with the criminal justice system.
For nearly one week, people demonstrated in Oakland to demand justice for Trayvon Martin and his family. More than 750 people of all backgrounds protested and marched their way through Oakland. Interstate highway, I-880, was temporarily shut down. Most of the marches and protests were peaceful but noticeable.
However, some protesters vandalized Oakland businesses and scuffled with police. Many people asserted that these “fringe” activists did not represent the majority of Oaklanders or the African American community.
Still, Oakland lived up to its reputation as a strong and powerful player on the marches and protests front. Its broad-based group of political activists made a strong showing of support for justice for Trayvon Martin and opposing racism in the criminal justice system.
2. Twelve-Man March
Reason for March: Bring awareness to the dangers of racial profiling
A small, but equally important, march was organized in Oakland on July 19, 2013. During this march, twelve African American men marched to Oakland’s city hall. All the men wore business attire: suit, tie, dress shoes, etc. All the African American men presented as businessmen. They peacefully marched to city hall holding signs condemning racial profiling and the negative portrayal of African American men in the media.
In speeches at Frank Ogawa Hall, the protesters cited the killing of Trayvon Martin and Alan Blueford. Both were African American, young, and unarmed when they were killed by law enforcement. No one was convicted in either killing. Racial profiling was asserted to be the cause that identified these young men as dangerous though unsupported by the evidence.
3. Oscar Grant Marches
Reason for Demonstration: Justice for Oscar Grant
On January 1, 2009, 22-year old Oscar Grant was killed by BART police officer, Johannes Mehserle, at Oakland’s Fruitvale BART station. He served 11 months for the killing.
There were several marches in the weeks following Oscar Grant’s killing as well as during subsequent court hearings and trial. On January 7, 2009, more than 250 people marched at the Fruitvale station. Other marches were held at San Francisco’s Embarcadero station. Another similar march was organized on January 30. Both marches were organized to memorialize Oscar Grant and the other victims of police brutality. Protesters were also criticizing BART’s investigation of the killing as inadequate and cursory.
The Oscar Grant marches were described as both peaceful and organized as well as rowdy and raucous. Some of the marches involved protesters carrying signs and chanting for change. Other protesters turned violent and destroyed property, primarily in Oakland’s Broadway and 14th street district. Trashcans were thrown, cars were burned, and windows were broken by groups of self-described “anarchists”. Grant’s family held a press conference to call for calm and peace as a tribute to their deceased son. Mayor Ron Dellums joined the Grant family’s plea. Still, most of the protests by Oaklanders were peaceful and focused on remembering and providing justice for Oscar Grant and his family.
Similar marches were held for Alan Blueford, Ezell Ford and others killed by law enforcement in Oakland.
4. Occupy Oakland Marches
Reason for Demonstrations: Bring awareness to social and economic inequality and keep public services open in Oakland.
The Occupy movement holds demonstrations and marches throughout the United States and in 81 other countries worldwide. There is an Occupy movement office located in nearly every major American city. Oakland is no exception and, in fact, the Occupy movement has been very active in the city of Oakland.
The Occupy Oakland movement supports solidarity with the worldwide Occupy Movement and its opposition to the economic and social inequality that exists worldwide. Specific to Oakland, the Occupy Movement also opposes gang injunctions, youth curfews, and the closures of libraries and schools in Oakland.
The first demonstration was held on October 10, 2011 attended by approximately 300 people. Direct action by Occupy Oakland protesters included rallies, marches and speeches. Several dozen people also set up tents at the Frank Ogawa plaza in front of Oakland’s city hall building. This first Occupy Oakland demonstration lasted fifteen days and attracted 2,500 people. Demonstrations have included clergy, union members, and students.
A second demonstration was held on October 26, 2011, which was attended by 3,000 protesters. It was a peaceful protest.
Subsequent demonstrations and rallies have been organized throughout Oakland, including by Lake Merritt and the Oakland Public Library. Downtown Oakland has been a focus area for the movement. On January 28, 2013 the Occupy Movement organized a “move-in” day on which it occupied an abandoned building and converted it into a social center.
Local government’s response to the Occupy Oakland movement was positive and supportive. In the beginning, many local politicians supported the movement’s goals and actions to clean up the city and keep local services open and available to the community. Several local politicians attended and spoke at rallies organized by Occupy Oakland.
However, law enforcement has, at times, been characterized as aggressive and violent toward the protesters. Tents have been torn down, barricades set up around the demonstrators, and numerous arrests have been made. Oaklanders responded that the police reaction was overly aggressive, violent, and chaotic. Still, the Oakland Occupy movement continues and is gaining support.
And Oakland has had many more marches in support of Eric Garner who died when officers placed a choke-hold on him. In this particular march, people chanted “I can’t breathe!”
Oakland was also host to a march to protest the killing of Michael Brown. People marched with their hands up, to commemorate Michael Brown’s position with a police office in Ferguson, Missouri shot and killed him.
Because of the strong atmosphere of civil protest and involvement, Oakland has a long history of African Americans in government. Congresswoman Barbara Lee is a powerful representative in Oakland who works tirelessly to eradicate poverty, extend unemployment assistance for long-term unemployed persons ensure adequate health care as a human right. She was also one of the few representatives to question authorizing military force in Syria. There is a fantastic blog post about the great work of Barbara Lee on robinlofton.com. Ronald Dellums is another long-standing Congressional representative for the people of Oakland. He was an important figure is supporting peoples’ park in Berkeley and challenging the Vietnam War.
Oakland also has an impressive list of Black mayors. In 1977, Oakland elected its first Black mayor, Lionel Wilson who served for three terms after which Elihu Harris took the helm. After serving in Congress, Ron Dellums returned to Oakland and was elected mayor in 2007.
Many people mistakenly believe that the Berkeley is “THE place” for civil dissent. However, Oakland with its diverse and strongly opinionated population is at the forefront of a movement in which the community demands a just, fair, and safe society. Perhaps the next March on Washington will be held in Oakland.
Well, this concludes our wiki history podcast about marches that occurred in that “hotbed of radical activism” known as Oakland, California. I hope that you enjoyed it and learned a little something about this great but sometimes overlooked city. I have a lot of respect for the city for many reasons. Yes, it is the city where I was born. But it is a strong, multicultural hotbed of free speech and free thought with a strong ethical foundation. Marches are an important part of this city’s history and everyone is included in demanding a “more perfect union.”
In the final wiki history podcast on Marches, we will examine why we march, the importance of marches. In this final podcast in the marches series, I will discuss Dr. Martin Luther King’s views on marches, why they are important and how they can create change. Be prepared for interesting insights and a few surprises. And, as always, I would like to hear your views about whether you think that marches are important. Or are they just a waste of time and energy? Everyone has a right to their opinion and you’re free to share them at robinlofton.com soon to be rememberinghistory.com.
And please remember that for every time that someone listens to these podcasts in March, I will donate $1 to the Association for the Study of African American Life & History. Founded by Carter G. Woodson—the father of Black History month—this organization works tirelessly to keep African American history alive and respected around the world. Feel free to visit them at asalh.org.
And feel free to visit robinlofton.com or rememberinghistory.com. I hope to hear your comments and marching experiences. And I hope that that you will join me for the next marches podcast where we are remembering history and we’re making it.
Bye for now!