No Justice: Oscar Grant Verdict Overshadowed By LeBron James
Thursday, July 8, 2010 will be a day that goes down in infamy for me. It’s not because “King” James abandoned his hometown of Cleveland to play super friends with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in South Beach. July 8 will forever be etched into my memory as the night Oscar Grant‘s name got added to the list of those who found no justice after being shot down by the law in cold blood.
If you’re unaware, I’m honestly not surprised. In the early morning hours of New Year’s Day 2009, Oscar Grant was detained by Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) police officers after responding to reports of a fight at the Fruitvale BART Station. Grant was restrained by Officer Johannes Mehserle and another officer when Grant allegedly resisting arrest. Officer Mehserle drew his gun as he stood over Grant—who was lying face down—and fired a gunshot into the back of the 22-year-old. Grant would be pronounced dead the following morning at Highland Hospital in Oakland. The events were captured on video, similar to the Rodney King beating back in 1991, and clearly show Mehserle shooting Grant as he lay on his stomach.
Nineteen months later, a jury found Mehserle guilty of involuntary manslaughter and not guilty of second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter. Involuntary manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of four years and could likely see Mehserle serve two years and/or probation, depending on the judge’s ruling when sentencing commences on August 6.
What we learned: Even in 2010, it’s still legal for law enforcement to kill a black man and walk away with a slap on the wrist.
First time drug possession offenders do one to three years in jail. A repeat offender can do up to 12 years. NFL wide receiver Plaxico Burress shot himself at a New York nightclub and will do two years. Quarterback Michael Vick served 21 months in prison after pleading guilty to federal felony charges related to being involved in an illegal interstate dog fighting ring. The last time I checked, a human’s life is valued greater than that of a dog. Perhaps I was wrong.
Grant joins the likes of Amadou Diallo, Sean Bell and more recently, 7-year-old Aiyana Stanley-Jones, who’ve died at the hands of the law and have yet to see justice served on their behalf. Rodney King was beaten for the world to see and the officers were acquitted. Grant was shot and killed in front of witnesses on video and the officer involved still managed to avoid a lengthy sentence. Now reverse the roles and let me know how many years a civilian will get for involuntary slaughter on a cop. Two to four years in jail? How about two to four lifetimes in prison?
There was another crime committed on July 8 that was simply appalling. That crime was the media’s coverage of the circus known as LeBron James’ announcement and how it completely overshadowed the Oscar Grant trial. As if we hadn’t heard enough about where LBJ would end up, a nationally televised ego-stroking special where James declared where he was heading for the 2011 NBA season aired two hours after the Oscar Grant verdict hit. Whereas CNN managed to squeeze in a two-minute blurb to publicize the verdict, the rest of the evening was dedicated to an athlete and his big announcement regarding where his next multimillion dollar check was coming from. A video package featuring President Barack Obama discussing LeBron James aired as thousands rallied in Oakland in support of Grant. Larry King had a banner that said “The World Waits For LeBron’s Decision.” Apparently, the world keeps turning when another black man dies at the hands of law enforcement and stops when a basketball player changes zip codes.
Every major news network was dedicated to LeBron’s big announcement. None paid attention to the travesty taking place in Oakland. Not even networks that are supposed to be “ours” (and I use the term “ours” very loosely) like BET. If it wasn’t for Twitter and socially conscious journalists who care about their community such as Davey D, I wouldn’t have known the jury had reached a verdict until well after the fact. There was literally no coverage on our major news outlets. To say that a rich athlete deserves this much attention is disgusting and a disgrace to journalism. ESPN is not at fault because sports is their hustle. But as for these other media outlets, I found the lack of coverage in lieu of LeBron-mania to be revolting.
Even more unnerving was the activity on Twitter. While many displayed their outrage, many more opted to be consumed with “King” James and a rumored Kanye West tracklisting that leaked. It was indicative of our society and our lack of interest in issues that are close to home. We’re more concerned with finding out where the rich man will go collect his next check rather than be concerned with people that are murdered in our tax bracket who look and act just like us. Chances are the average black man has a greater possibility of being harassed by police than becoming the next LeBron James.
What would have been an incredible display of character was something I certainly didn’t expect LeBron and his team to do—either mention the Grant verdict and his support of the protests in Oakland, or cancel his press conference because more important issues are at hand. A move like that would have been monumental. But he’s LeBron James, not Muhammad Ali. I don’t expect much more from him than what we have already seen. But I digress.
As the Grant family voiced their displeasure with the ruling, all I could think about is how another black man gets taken down by the long arm of the law and it gets swept under the rug with the swiftness of a 1997 Allen Iverson crossover. The media paid a little more attention later in the night when a few knuckleheads looted an Oakland Foot Locker in “protest.” The peaceful demonstrators were given little attention, but the ignorant ones become a reflection of the entire community. It’s irresponsible journalism that has catapulted Lindsay Lohan‘s lame 90 day stint in jail and LeBron’s egotistical “It’s All About Me” announcement over issues that really matter. It’s an uneducated community that has the information highway at their fingertips but opt to fawn over Kat Stacks’ groupie adventures and who Kim Kardashian is dating rather than use the net to find out what is going on in Haiti seven months after the earthquake. Watching meaningless conversations take place on Twitter when real situations occur is a reminder of how much we have detached ourselves from reality.
We have become a numb society that is enthralled with the celebrity lifestyle. Our aspirations are strung together with half-baked dreams anchored by the motto “Fame or Bust.” We live vicariously through the rich and famous while we disconnect the line when a parallel is drawn between ourselves and the common man.
LeBron-mania is over. Oscar Grant is still dead and Oakland is wrought with anger and distress. As LBJ joins Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh for an all white party in South Beach that us common folk can’t afford to attend, Oscar Grant will join Diallo and Bell in the afterlife as they comfort the sobbing Jones who thought the police were supposed to be the good guys. As Cleveland fans light their #23 jerseys on fire and try to figure out who will lift “The Curse” from Cleveland, Oscar Grant’s family and friends dab away the tears while picking up the pieces of an emotionally devastated community that has once again been let down by “The Curse” of an unbalanced judicial system.
Which one will most likely be forgotten by tomorrow?
It will only remain this way if you let it.
Thank you for this. I remember that incident and was shocked and appalled that even with witnesses and video this occured. My condolences to the Grant family and all of Oakland for having to relive this pain and suffering all over. I will share this on facebook and implore all who read this to do the same. Thank you for bringing it back into our consciousness!!!!!
Be well.
A human life is only worth so much dollars and sense in the eye of the government (yes, eye). Stuff like this happens still all the time in ways that affect the community, yet doesn’t effect any change. The Internet has made it so people can react in real-time and for better or for worse this is how it’ll go down. CNN gets an EPIC FAIL for their coverage. I kept thinking they were going to lead into it from their special about what’s going on in the Gulf and it never was more than just a quick quip. The folks sitting there fawning for the unattainable while love is being taken from us, right in front of our eyes, need to WAKE THE FUNK UP!
Thank you for this post, Dre.
Sorry, another black man involved in mischief, who ultimately was shot by an underpressured officer for resisting arrest and not being cooperative upon detainment..does NOT spark my interest or cultural call to action. Stay out of trouble, stay alive.
Thank you, Dre.
~Boss Lady
“Bravo sou” for the guts to address a real issue.
Maybe you should search the origin of Grant’s last name to call real attention to a much needed issue.
America temporarily killed my soul and love for good people. I am in Greece. It is nice to know that there are those who are still alive and alert to the reality that something is wrong when police fly helicopters over “middle” income communities and throw grenades into the windows of homes they “suspect” house a potential criminal (without fair warning), and shoot unarmed citizens because they can.
The comments around Grant’s death are tantamount to the old saying that a girl with a short skirt deserved to be raped. She must have wanted it. I suppose those of us who remain Black in our life time, must love to have our lives threatened by cops.
If the real criminals rule the streets “by example” of greater powers of our “justice” system, what does any community have as a future course of action for peace?
–Former resident of Antioch & San Jose, CA, USA
SWP, that’s some ignorant shit to say. The cop was NOT in any danger, and had no reason to fire his weapon. Yeah, it’s better if you should stay out of trouble, but that doesn’t justify his death.
@skeeweeprincess – Your ignorant comment without knowing the full scope of the situation is not what I expect from an AKA!!!!! (HE WAS HANDCUFFED AND FACE DOWN AND SHOT IN THE BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!)
know the facts before commenting blindly and passing judgment!! If he was your brother would you feel the same way? Wait!!!!!
HE IS YOUR “BROTHER”!!!!!!!
SERVICE TO ALL MANKIND????? really?!?!?!?
disclaimer: I love my akas but this one here is a few pearls short of a necklace.
[...] No Justice: Oscar Grant Verdict Overshadowed By LeBron JamesDrJays.com Live (blog)It's an uneducated community that has the information highway at their fingertips but opt to fawn over Kat Stacks' groupie adventures and who Kim Kardashian …and more » [...]
The media is corrupt? That’s nothing new! They cover whatever will raise their ratings to draw more money from advertisers.
My thoughts go out for Grant’s family. The officer should have received a harsher sentence. With the evidence given, however, the jury did what they felt was fair.
This whole thing makes me wonder if it Mehserle was a black officer, stated that he made the same mistake and received the same verdict, would this be as big as it is now? What if Grant was white?
Who’s pointing the race finger, really?
Thank you for these words. We need more like them.
Excellent article truely an eye opener. Unfortunately the verdict does not surprise me at all I predicted in early on.
Greetings all! Where do I start? I will start by saying this country was founded on injustice in a multilateral manner. I will end by saying to protect community, heritage, legacy, pride, lives, and souls we must take ownership. The love for my brothers and sisters grow exponentially each year. I am learning to take higher responsibility to do my part! Growing up in America is a sickening event physically, mentally, spiritually, psychologically, and morally!!!!!!!!!
Don’t think, just do!!!
Thank you for helping shed light to this…injustice. I’m not sure if that’s the best way to describe this situation, but it’s all i have right now. I’ve been at a loss for words since the verdict came down.
Oscar Grant is dead and his killer has been found guilty. Justice is done in this case. I bet none of you would have been up in arms if Oscar Grant was a white man. None of you are up in arms when a black man takes a plea deal and gets off with 5 years on charges that could have put him in prison for life. Also, none of you are concerned about the culture of violence and entitlement that is manifested in the black community. No matter what the problems are, they are created by whites to keep the black man down.
I have an idea. Lets cut off all of the programs that allow the culture to sit around and live off of working people. Then, people will riot until they get hungry. Then they will go out and get a job and will be too tired at the end of the day to partake in the culture of violence and laziness. In this way, we will eliminate the need for so many cops and solve the immigration problem at the same time.
Sounds like a win win to me.
There’s really nothing which needs to be added to this.
You nailed it. Fantastic job.
[...] Please read this powerful article by Andreas Hale and spread the word. I love basketball, but I love justice and solidarity more. READ ARTICLE HERE. [...]
Well excuse me Mr. Hale, i work at an animal hospital, a dogs life is not worth more or less than a mans. A dog is a living, breathing, feeling creature, honestly i have more sympathy for an animal than i do a human being. Humans have more intelligence and should know right or wrong an animal doesnt it survives and dies off of instinct. If a human decides to twist an animal into a killing machine, then the human has made something that is a threat to their-self and anything else that comes in contact with the fighting dog. Michael Vick is a sorry excuse for a human being, the only reason people seemed to care or notice is because he is an athelete.
Come do what i do for a day, it’ll make you realize how bad of a breed humans are as compared to the pets we own. Until you’ve seen what i’ve seen, done what ive done(for example: restrained a 230 pound ex-fighting rottweiler thats terrified of people, and wants to kill everything in the room out of fear), and felt the emotions that come with the job, you can take you comments like that and shove them up your ass.
Great article!
Same point i’ve been making :: the T.V. media has made a shameful, virtually non existent effort to discuss this verdict despite the fact that it’s a salient issue.
http://zainyjee.wordpress.com/2010/07/09/televised-injustice-a-muted-media-on-mehserles-killing-of-oscar-grant/
@NotYourKeeper: We’re not up in arms over verdicts like that, because the justice system is biased towards whites, therefore “unfair” verdicts against whites is like finding the one vegetarian shark out in the ocean. So, you can reserve your biased, racist “what-ifs” and quit attempting to discount our fear, outrage and shock at the mishandling of this tragedy by the law department. No matter wheter they’re black, white, asian, or even from MARS, the facts remain: A man who was already detained was shot in the back of the skull, execution-style, and the law said it was okay.
Oh, and for the record, your little “suggestion” only works if you assume that business owners actually open the doors of employment to blacks AND whites and anyone else in poverty, because contrary to popular belief, trailer trash white rednecks commit just as much crime and gobble up just as much government aid as blacks from housing projects. People (for the most part) don’t commit crimes for the fun of it, they commit crimes out of some deep-seeded need for what they’re trying to obtain, but you wouldn’t know anything about that, huh? Usually the ones committing crimes for fun, are the well-off kids out being drunk and disorderly, not men like Oscar Grant.
You can think and believe what you want, but you would do well to know when and where to trumpet those ignorant beliefs and ideas, before someone else applies the same treatment to you as these officers did to Oscar.
Great article Andre. Black entertainers and athletes rarely speak up or denounce these types of tragedies occurring in their own community. It is a terrible example for the youth that look up to them as role models. God forbid they say anything that compromises the almighty endorsement money. We can thank Michael Jordan for encouraging the type of behavior.
We’ve seen this type of tragic ending far too many times and its heartbreaking. Its the equivalent to the verse by Mos Def on Black Star’s – “Thieves In The Night”; ‘long barrel automatics released in short bursts. The length of black life is treated with short worth’. The predictable outcome here is waiting on Rev. Al Sharpton to speak up on behalf on the family and the community but what’s that going to solve for the next Oscar Grant that’s shot and killed?
Its even more disturbing to see this story’s lack of coverage in the news. “Lebronmania” clearly is more important right? It reminds me of the Jena 6 story and how Mos Def was really the only celebrity talking about it.
Black people in positions of power and influence need to come together as a group or coalition [like the super-friends on the Miami Heat]* and start challenging some of the laws/policies in place that do not favour minorities in these cities. Violent protest is not the answer and it won’t prevent this from happening again. Prosecutors in Los Angeles have not won a murder conviction in a police shooting case since 1983. That’s downright scary and racist!
Bottom line, state officials and congress need to be taken to task for the laws being being upheld in these cities so we can really make a change and have justice. It can’t be done alone; strength in numbers. We have to fight with intelligence, strategy & foresight. Acting like savages with the looting and vandalism only fuel the racist generalizations they already of us.
[R.I.P. Oscar Grant]
NO Justice, NO Peace! Oscar Grant gone but not forgotten…let’s continue to spread the word and attempt to gain backing from these so called celebs that claim they love the community, im @’in em all in concern of this lack of concern of the Black Man’s life…Great article btw
My favorite quote, “Apparently, the world keeps turning when another black man dies at the hands of law enforcement and stops when a basketball player changes zip codes.”. Amazing article!
EFF THE POLLICE
Police*
@Matt. I could not possibly agree more about the white trailer trash. As far as I am concerned, anyone who has adopted the “Entitlement Culture” can starve to death. Everyone, you, me and everyone else need to get out and make a living. I have seen racism and disagree with it in all of it’s forms. I am not a racist. I am a culturalist. I HATE any culture that thinks they deserve anything because of WHO you are. You only deserve what you work for. Nothing more. Period.
The entitlement programs and the cultures of drugs and violence will bring this great country to it’s knees. The strides and sacrifices made by the great Patriots from the Buffalo Soldiers in the Civil War to the great men who flew for the Tuskegee Airmen will be a waste.
Also, while I am at it. Would it be ok if I started a Miss White America Pageant? What about a Caucasion College Fund? How about my own NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Caucasion Persons)? Can I start an all white college? There are several all black colleges out there. I guess racism is alive and well. Just keep in mind that you don’t have to be white to be a racist.
Like I said before, in the case of Oscar Grant, Justice is served. I would also like to see the plea bargaining stop no matter who or what color you are.
Thank you for this article. Shed some light on the real issues at hand. Open your eyes. Our world is only as good as we make it.
I’m not racist I have white friends but this is white America what do u expect when it comes to blacks.
My condolences go to Oscar Grant’s family, they really do. I am outraged and saddened that this kind of injustice happens still in 2010.
Sigh, notyourkeeper, your proclaimed attempt at proving how NOT racist you are is failure in it’s most glorious form. I do thank you for proving that racism is very much alive and well with your ignorant and under-informed views. Historically black colleges and universities exist because black people were not allowed into “regular” colleges. There has been a Caucasian College Fund much longer than a Black College Fund, it was called “being black in America and you are not able to partake in anything where your blackness is even in the same room with white people.” Historically black colleges accept any race, although the majority of students at these colleges are black. People should be angry that they exist not because of their majority race numbers, but that they are a glaring reminder of how black people had to create their own educational institutions to educate their own in the first place. Many of these black colleges aid many young brilliant and black minds in acquiring the “American Dream” by giving them an education at an affordable price, as minority people on a national scale still suffer poverty in greater percentages than the majority. And this is not just because of laziness. It is due to the long standing economic inequity caused by racism, Jim Crow, and segregation. Brown vs. Board of Education and the Civil Rights Movement only happened 40-50 years ago, and racism did not die in that short period of time. There are lazy folks in all races, but in the case of minorities the battle to economic freedom and status has been an uphill one due to issues of race. There have been many gains, but cases as Oscar Grant’s show us that there have not been enough.
Justice was not served. All of the evidence was not admitted to the jury, and the fact that a man was shot in the back while restrained is not justice. Had the man been white and the officer black, the case would have been splashed on the news and that officer given as much time as the law would allow.
RIP Oscar Grant. I have no clue what community organizations the writer is engaged in, so my comment is a blanket thought for the online blogging community in general:
What are journalists, bloggers, and other members of this community really doing for the cause? Are we taking it to the streets to rally the Grant family? I have read so many articles over the years where people are so angry that more people are not angry like them, but that was all. It is so easy to type our frustrations and attack the media along with the average joe (who might in fact be ignorant, sadly), but I would like to hear more from people who are doing much more than banging on computer screen. I appreciate those young people who had the strength to say “f*ck the system” and never put their cameras down while this young man was murdered and who came out to court trials and who were on the ground being true activists for the cause. I know this might not be possible for everyone, but messages like this mean more to me when they are from people who are truly out in the community making change. Those should be the people we reach out to and encourage.
That being said, there are so many community and global activists I know who work with the youth, elderly, poor, etc. who use their art, time, and talent to change their communities and world, and when they write I know it comes from a place of action and sincerity. The power of the pen is mighty, but it is mightier when lined with experience. Raise your voices as well, warriors, we need you.
I’m so sick of the systematic dehumanization of Black people.
Fantastic article!!
I heard that there were many protesters arming themselves and purchasing high powered rifles to kill police in Oakland. I also heard that this Oscar Grant case is spreading across America. Cops may now be shot and never know their enemy. Assassinated from a distance from militant types of protesters. Even the cites will be vandalized and painted in protest for years to come. People are throwing their trash on the street, destroying cars, and threatening those that support the unjust verdict. Now I don’t blame all of the anger, but I am simply saying that I am officially done with racist areas of america. Oakland, Arizona, etc. will never have one of my businesses in their area again. Way too risky to let idiot cites run the show. Our government does not listen to the people, and so I will find a nicer government elsewhere.
It’s distressing to see how easy it is to distract Black & Brown folks from what they need to be focused on. Mind Control in the 21st century…coming to a theatre near you…
Thanks for the article. I must admitt that I never knew who Debron James is but know for sure who Oscar Grant was. R.I.P Oscar. Again this verdit is just another example of injustice in america, and shows me that we indeed have a lot of work to do.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!
So happily.
[...] Lebron James killed Oscar Grant. [...]
[...] No Justice: Oscar Grant Verdict Overshadowed By LeBron James by Andreas Hale [...]
Just stumbled upon this tragedy and started doing some research. My heart goes out to all those involved. A shame indeed.
Best,
Rick
Robocop33 is the profile name of a policelink.com member that makes the following comments in reference to an article on the website entitled
White Ex-transit Officer’s Sentence Sparks Protest
It is a story about the judge sentencing the officer Johannes Mehserle in the Oscar Grant killing and the people protesting the 2 years Mehsehrle got.
“These bastards, (sorry PL but that is what they are), would not be satisfied unless he was given the death penalty! This Officer should never have been charged, much less tried and convicted. It was a tragic accident that never would have happened if the POST that was shot had simply submitted to arrest, or better yet, had not been involved in the illegal activity in the first place. This has already destroyed the life of a fine young man who put his a$$ on the line to help the very people that convicted him. FOR SHAME! I say declare Marshal Law and stop this immediately!”
http://policelink.monster.com/news/articles/147422-white-ex-transit-officers-sentence-sparks-protest
This is just one example of the hateful comments posted by members of policelink. It is tolerated.
The comments range from saying it was Grant’s fault he got killed to
the officer should have never been found guilty because Grant was a criminal. Some even blame his family for raising a criminal
I have already contacted policelink and robocop33 and told them what I think…I believe all these hateful comments should be taken off the site…
Tell policelink what you think at
[email protected]
What most of you are saying is “if the cop was black and oscar was white, then the black cop wouldve got more time” That is a dumb remark. Just because he is white does not mean he was not judged by the law equally. The judge gave him a smaller sentence because
1. He might have went for his taser not knowing he pulled out his gun
2. The man was NOT handcuffed at the time, he was struggling.
3. You have seen the video, that does not look like he intended to kill anyone or for that matter a “black man”
4.He spent almost a year in jail waiting for the trial to end. So he already has 292 days toward sentence.
Now you say thats racist. Many black people have had lesser sentences put among them. Stop being racist and face the facts.
This article is racist and sad. This is why the country is being ruined. anytime something happens to black people its racism automatically.
For instance, customer walked up waited for 4 seconds and called our DM because she waited “5 mins” and called us racists. We saw the tape. 4 seconds to be exact. Who is racist here?
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