When Anti Violence Can Lead to Violence

October 3, 2006

On September 30, 2006 the City Of Oakland cancelled an anti-violence rally called, "Get Hyphy Against Violence". The rally was to feature musical acts and testimony from victims of violent crime.

This is what reporter Heather MacDonald, Staff Writer for “Inside Bay Area” wrote in her article, “Anti-violence rally canceled over safety concerns” :

Police commanders said they were concerned that, without enough officers, the anti-violence rally could backfire and create a melee similar to one that erupted after the last Carijama festival, held on City Hall Plaza in 2004.

"It's honorable what they are trying to do, and we're not saying it will be violent," said Niccolo De Luca, assistant to City Administrator Deborah Edgerly. "But because of the public safety concerns, we decided it was best to cancel it."  http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/ci_4423187

The rally’s name was catchy and maybe would have made a difference in a small way. Certainly Oakland needs non-violence advocates since its murder rate has soared the past few years. Most victims and murderers have been young black males under 30. 

City officials certainly “know their citizens” and most likely reacted appropriately to prevent violence but it is a damning consequence to cancel an anti-violence rally because the city expects violence. 

Until Oakland’s citizens openly and honestly discuss the problem of young black males assaulting and killing other young black males, their problems will continue. Cancelling an anti-violence rally shows how entrenched crime is in Oakland and how difficult it will be to stop.