"I recently had a conversation with Oscar Grant's aunt, Fattie, who informed me about her nephew. She said he was not a prince but a soldier. He had to struggle to survive, especially since he'd been without his father who's doing life in prison. I told her whether he was a prince or soldier is no reason for him to be crucified. She agreed with me. Although she appreciates all the support from the people, she is not into ideology, whether Muslim, Christian, Communist or Anarchist. And she knows some people are supporting Oscar for their own agenda.

She is preparing mentally for the trial in Los Angeles, although she knows true justice is not likely because the police and courts are one and the same, they support each other. Pressure from the people can make a difference, so she hopes the change of venue does not kill the cause of justice since that is the very reason for the change of venue.

As I listened to Fattie, my mind raced back to the years when I worked with the mothers of children killed in drive by shootings in Oakland. It was a daunting task just being in the room with women suffering so much pain. And most of their children were not in the media, so they received no support and had to suffer in silence. Parents are still suffering in silence today as we head into the New Year. We cannot allow selective support but must show love for all the families suffering the lost of their loved ones at the hands of police or black on black violence.

We cannot cry and scream when the police kills us but do nothing when brothers kill brothers and sisters."

--Marvin X  is a long-time Oakland poet, author, and cultural critic who blogs at http://www.blackbirdpressnews.blogspot.com

This entry is part of our Oscar Grant Memorial Tribute. See the full series here.