While the media gears up to cover the verdict in the trial of former BART police officer Johannes Mehserle, charged with killing 22-year old Oscar Grant last year, there are those who believe reporters may be contributing to whatever violence might take place.
Mehserle testified he thought he’d pulled his taser when he shot Grant in the back early on New Year’s morning 2009. The jury is deciding whether he will be convicted of second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter or found not guilty.
There are many in the Bay Area who believe anything less than the murder conviction would be the same as a not guilty verdict for a White police officer accused of killing an unarmed Black man.
“I think there are always people who are going to cause trouble and I think it’s inevitable,” said Sasha Scott, 16, when asked what would happen if Mehserle is not found guilty of murder. “I am worried because I know a lot of people here (in San Francisco) that knew (Grant) and are very angry.”
The potential for violence has prompted the Oakland Police Department, fearing a repeat of a near-riot that took place after a peaceful demonstration called to protest Grant’s death last year, to gear up to handle civil disobedience following the verdict, which could come any day now.
The media has covered the story every day since opening statements began nearly a month ago. Peace advocates feel the most recent stories focus too much on the possibility of violent confrontations between police and young people.
“There are a lot of young people who are advocating for peace but you hardly see that in the media,” said Mattie Scott, Sasha Scott’s grandmother and co-founder of the Healing Circle in San Francisco, a support group for the victims of violence and their families. “Most people feel the media is only going to cover the bad stuff.”
That has made many young people nervous. “They’re worried that their community will explode. They all know some people who will kick up trouble,” said Michelle Clark, executive director of Oakland’s Youth Employment Partnership, a non-profit that helps find summer jobs for youths.
“Many of them are not judgmental about the people who are likely to cause trouble and they specifically list BART Police as an agency that has given them a hard time in the past. But they worry that they or their friends will get caught up if there is violence.”
The center is conducting job training and the young people wonder what they should do if a protest turns violent, which they believe is likely because of all the media reports.
“They’re asking, ‘will YEP be open that day. If I have a job can I come in,’” said Clark.
Grant’s family, the mayor, the police, pastors and other community leaders are asking for calm after the verdict is announced. But many of the people who caused the trouble last time don’t live in Oakland… and may not be listening to calls for peace.
This piece originally appeared on the Maynard Institute for Journalism Education website. The MIJE is a partner of the OakBook.
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