Statement from youth UpRising on Verdict in Mehserle Trial
The verdict of involuntary manslaughter is simply a miscarriage of justice and a disappointing moment in our justice system.
We now have to work hard to ensure the Department Of Justice steps in to investigate. This means Youth UpRising and the young people we serve, the City of Oakland, and our Nation must work to have our collective longing for justice served. We need to ensure our justice system signals that the life of a defenseless young man counts, that we are safe.
We must all be thinking about how life is valued, how officers are trained and held accountable. The question is can we demonstrate that we have truly changed as a Nation, that justice is not influenced by race.
—Olis Simmons, Executive Director, Youth UpRising
