Posts Tagged ‘Wanda Johnson’

POPSspot Sports Radio: The Decision Remix – Guest, Wanda Johnson, Mother of Oscar Grant

Tuesday, July 8th, 2014

POPSspot 4Blog

As Lebron James contemplates his free-agent future, POPSspot Sports Radio takes a look back at the 4-year anniversary of "The Decision" - July 8, 2010. Lebron's famous declaration to "take his talents to South Beach" overshadowed the other famous decision that day -- the slap-on-wrist sentencing of Johannes Mehserle, the white Oakland police officer caught on videotape killing Oscar Grant. Ultimately, Mehserle would only serve only 11 months, and his release from jail which would also occur on the same day as the last game of the 2011 NBA Finals. Each time, the incredibly negative attention given to Lebron overshadowed mass protests that surrounded both Mehserle's sentencing and release. During this period, few outside of Oakland would even recognize the name of Johannes Mehsele at all.

Local outcries begging the nation to be concerned about Oscar Grant and the vulnerable lives of youth of color would be replaced by protests, hatred, and publicly burnt jerseys of one Black man.This week's special guest is the Ms. Wanda Johnson, the mother of Oscar grant who has been a tireless voice for justice in policing since her son's death. In "The Decision Remix" we will reprioritize our national humanity and have the discussion we always should have had, Ms. Johnson will discuss her son's case, little-known facts around "The Decision", the 4-year aftermath, the critically acclaimed motion picture Fruitvale Station, and how everyday citizens can help save lives.