On Monday, Nov. 7 Oakland experienced its 100th murder, already eclipsing the total number of murders that occurred last year with almost two months to go before 2011 comes to an end. 

Clergy and lay leaders from St. Columba are outraged and saddened by the continued loss of life on our Oakland streets and our inability to curtail the rampant violence.  Even more troubling is the dearth of visible communal outrage and intermittent remembrance of the victims of this violence.

As a community, we must do more. 

To that end, at 4 p.m. TODAY, Friday, Nov. 18, the St. Columba community and local interfaith leaders are joining together to “Remember Our Loved Ones!”

“Over 100 people have been murdered this year. That’s 100 plus people whose lives have ended prematurely; 100 plus families who have lost a significant other; 100 plus communities that are enduring significant trauma; 100 plus dreams decimated by violence,” said Father Aidan McAleenan, pastor of St. Columba Catholic Church. "We must remember the families, the communities and the individuals who are gone and won’t ever return!"

Leaders from Muslim, Jewish, Catholic and Protestant faith centers and Oakland officials will join youth and the wider Oakland community to remember our fallen family members.

This event is organized by Oakland Community Organizations, a PICO, People Improving Communities through Organizing, affiliate.

If You Go

Who: Interfaith leaders, Community members and Officials from Oakland
What: Memorial for the 100 plus people murdered in Oakland
When: 4 p.m. Friday Nov. 18
Where: St. Columba Catholic Church, 6401 San Pablo Ave. in Oakland