2012 Class

‘Negroes With Guns:’ My Black Panther Reeducation

Today, mainstream media depicts a Panther demise into pimping, drug-dealing and gangbanging, but that history is questioned and should not remain as the Party’s legacy. In 1968, the police were the soldiers of a racist system and acted with impunity. The Panthers offered black communities much-needed protection, and through good works like teaching and feeding children, empowered and mobilized people to stand up against racial violence and rampant police brutality.

Latest in 2012 Class
Artist Rachel-Anne Palacios Brings Multicultural Soul & Spirit to Oakland Students
Former Drug-Dealing ‘Street Star’ Becomes Youth Mentor

Like Sankofa - the mythical bird in West African culture that symbolizes going back to retrieve things lost in order to move forward - Michael Gibson also had to go back and reconnect, while he was incarcerated, with his own history. He regularly draws on his past struggles to help him improve his life, and those of others.

Moon Cakes, Mid-Autumn, and Losing My Chinese-ness

I have begun to understand why a lot of American-born Chinese people do not feel connected to their Chinese ethnicity. If their families are like mine - working a lot, with no time to practice their Chinese traditions at home - then the culture might not get passed on to the next generations. Besides, traditional festivals mean nothing to us if our parents are not able to celebrate them with us.

Re-Occupy The Movement’s Progressive Roots
Native American Mental Health More Than A Dream
‘Get a Straight Job’ & Stop Gang Banging!
GUNS Part III: Protection 2012

Recently, two Oakland Voices writers offered very different views on whether owning guns is a bad idea for Oakland and people in general, or just common sense preparedness for life in a tough town. But it didn't stop there. They read each other's piece, and replied.

GUNS Part IV: Still Strapped with Just My Wits

Recently, two Oakland Voices writers offered very different views on whether owning guns is a bad idea for Oakland and people in general, or just common sense preparedness for life in a tough town. But it didn't stop there. They read each other's piece, and replied.

Cease Fire Redux: Oakland Relaunches Crime Plan, This Time with Broad Coalition