In Oakland, California, a day of peaceful May Day demonstrations turned to an evening filled with multiple damaged vehicles, buildings and a car dealership vehicle set on fire.
“Though historically May Day causes have been many, this year’s protest focused on the issue of the day, police brutality. As the Bay Area this week kept a watchful eye on Baltimore, where a top prosecutor filed charges against officers for the killing of an unarmed black man, Friday was a day for local residents to tell their stories of abuse at the hands of police.” The Bay Area responds to Baltimore.
Families of men killed by local police officers and members of the International Longhouse Warehouse Union Local 10 lead a march and by noon, an estimated 500 people had gathered in solidarity. At 7p.m., 250 more demonstrators marched the streets to the Oakland police headquarters where Some protestor held signs reading “Black Lives Matter”, “Racism is a Disease” and ” Stop Police Brutality”.
And a topic that’s receiving more attention is the “tech elite”, where in Silicon Valley, many are being forced out of high-priced, gentrified neighborhoods. All throughout the Bay Area, including San Jose, Oakland and San Francisco, people took their messages to the streets. A woman walking with the people gave publications a heartfelt testimony. “I am sending a clear message that I don’t want the tech businesses here,” said a woman who only identified herself as Cleo, who moved to East Oakland after her rent jumped to $1,600. “I don’t want their jobs here. I want them to leave because they are not giving back to the community.”
Let us not forget about Oakland and the rest of the Bay Area. Similar to those in Baltimore, there’s a lot of pain here and people are responding. From southern to northern California, this state has a reputation of repudiating the actions of those abusing power. The Bay Area responds to Baltimore.
SOURCE:NBCBAYAREA
