Oakland held the 6th National Crime Victims’ Rights Week press conference on the morning of April 24 at the Oakland Police Department headquarters. Community leaders, victims’ families, advocates, law enforcement representatives, and business representatives gathered to honor the victims who lost their lives to violent crimes and urged the public to provide clues to help solve unsolved cases.
This year marks the 45th National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, with activities running from April 15 to April 25 under the theme “Listen, Act, Advocate, Protect Victims, Serve Communities.”
The press conference was organized by the Christopher Lavell Jones Foundation and hosted by Brenda Grisham, Executive Director of Their Lives Matter advocacy organization. Grisham has long been involved in advocating for the rights of crime victims. She stated that the event serves two important purposes: “First, it allows victims to come together and share their stories with the public; second, it provides an opportunity for the public to come forward with any information they may have.” She emphasized that the event is not just about remembrance but also a call to action, stating, “Too many families are still waiting for answers, too many cases remain unsolved. We must do more.”
Grisham pointed out that many victims and their families need services such as mental health, legal support, and community assistance but often do not know where to find resources. She expressed that these services exist, with financial support available, the crucial aspect is ensuring that people are aware and able to access help. She urged service providers to actively engage with communities, fulfill their responsibilities, and ensure that families of victims are no longer left unsupported.
She further emphasized the importance of building cooperation among communities, victims’ families, service providers, and law enforcement agencies, encouraging the public to get involved. She called on witnesses or individuals with information to bravely provide clues; even if cases have remained unsolved for many years, anyone touched by conscience should proactively contact law enforcement to help solve cases and hold perpetrators accountable, making Oakland and Alameda County safer.
Ursula Jones Dickson, the Alameda County District Attorney, expressed during the event that it is heartbreaking to see families who have lost loved ones repeatedly coming forward to seek public assistance.
She urged people to look out for each other and speak up if they see or know of any criminal clues. She stressed that this is not “snitching” but rather a means of protecting one’s own community.
Dickson stated that the District Attorney’s Office places a high value on accountability and is actively pushing for the prosecution of homicide cases, with over 260 homicide cases still awaiting trial. She also reminded criminals that technology and forensic capabilities are continuously advancing, and even cases from 20 years ago may be solved. “You cannot hide forever,” she warned.
Chen Xi Peng from SAFE Inc. emphasized that crime not only brings the incident itself but also long-term trauma endured by victims and their families. He mentioned his years of volunteering to assist families of victims, acknowledging the challenging path they face. Following his own experience of being attacked on April 29, 2021, Peng has gained a deeper understanding of the emotional and physical pain suffered by victims of violent crimes.
He stated that the impact is not limited to the individual but affects family members, friends, and the entire community. Peng urged the community to provide more resources, encouraging collaboration from all parties to become a force for change.
Rev. Wanda Johnson from the Oscar Grant Foundation highlighted that the community must address both police violence and community violence issues. She stressed the importance of unity among the community to collectively work towards ending systemic violence, including violence within the community and police force.
Zsanna Samuels from Voices of the Bay emphasized that unity should not merely be a slogan but must be implemented in action. Regardless of who holds power, the community should unite to safeguard safety, dignity, and support and not let political stances affect care for the victims.
Speakers and representatives in attendance that day included Mandisa Leachman from Women Arise Academy, Almaz Yihdego from Global Communications Services, Willadeana White from Faith 4 Ministries, Tera Neff from Stem Against Violence, as well as representatives of victims’ families and businesses.