On Feb. 19, the Oakland ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) celebrated Black History Month in neighboring Berkeley, Calif. ANSWER activist Maya Nadjieli chaired the event featuring four guest speakers. Approximately 40 people were in attendance, including many new faces.
Keith Shanklin represented the Justice for Gary King, Jr. Campaign. The unarmed 20-year-old King was fatally shot by an Oakland police officer in September 2007.
Wanda Sabir spoke on behalf of the Angola Three, Black political prisoners who have collectively served a century in solitary confinement for organizing a Black Panther chapter inside the Angola prison.
Richard Brown discussed his experiences as a former Black Panther and defendant in the San Francisco 8 trial—a trial that has rekindled bogus felony charges dismissed over 30 years ago after confessions were obtained by torture.
Gloria La Riva spoke for the National Committee to Free the Cuban Five and as the presidential candidate of the Party for Socialism and Liberation. The Cuban Five are Cuban political prisoners who were monitoring Miami-based terrorists targeting Cuba.
La Riva emphasized the need for unity and resistance and placed the struggle against racism and oppression first in the battle for social justice.
The speakers approached the racist practices plaguing the United States from a variety of angles, providing those in attendance with a thorough understanding of how pervasive and oppressive racism remains in the United States. Above all, they provided a strong reminder that power truly is in the hands of the people.
