The outreach to students of Laney College by Cat Brooks, Asantewaa Boykin and Ashley Yates of the Anti-Police Terror Project looks to be a call to action against injustice within the city of Oakland. (“Female activists panel speaks on origins of activism”/Tower March 17.)
In a city that values coercion over rehabilitation, the importance of activism cannot be overstated. 
Appealing to students is important, as academic centers are inherently a community. Schools have a greater potential to rally than the fragmented environment of laborers within their individual and diverse industries. 
 Oakland is lost in a vicious cycle of crime and indictment. 
It is currently the 9th most dangerous city in the country in violent crime per capita. The city has a poverty rate of 14.8 percent and rising (census.gov). 
Violence initiated by officers from the Oakland Police Department are frequent and have proven difficult to challenge as unjustified. 
Engaging large communities is more important than ever. The efforts of these members of the Anti-Police Terror Project deserve no less than our vigilant support and commendation.

Triston Plante
Journalism

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