Community
Faith Leaders to End Gun Violence Convene at White House
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy announced on June 25 a Surgeon General’s Advisory on Firearm Violence, declaring “firearm violence in America to be a public health crisis.”
![Oakland pastors at the White House to End Gun Violence. (L-R) Pastors Darnell Hammock, Bishop Keith Clark, Pastor Michael Wallace, and Pastor Zachary Carey. Photo courtesy of ION (Impact Oakland Now).](https://www.postnewsgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/faith-leaderes-to-end-gun-violence-featured-web.jpg)
Oakland Pastors join in to show leadership on public safety responses
Special to The Post
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy announced on June 25 a Surgeon General’s Advisory on Firearm Violence, declaring “firearm violence in America to be a public health crisis.”
A Surgeon General’s Advisory is a public statement that calls the American people’s attention to an urgent public health issue. This advisory is the first publication from the Office of the Surgeon General dedicated to gun violence, and it outlines the devastating and far-reaching consequences that firearm violence poses to the health and well-being of the country.
The advisory states since 2020, firearm‑related injury has been the leading cause of death for U.S. children.
On June 26, Live Free CA Clergy Table served as co-conveners of a National Clergy Emergency Strategic Planning Meeting at the White House with Gregory Jackson, Jr., special assistant to the President and deputy director of The Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Rev. Thomas Bowen, senior advisor for Public Engagement for the White House and over 40 faith leaders from around the country to begin the process of developing a wholistic plan of action.
Local clergy leaders Pastor Michael W. Wallace, Pastor Zachary Carey, Bishop Keith Clark of Impact Oakland Now (ION), and Pastor Darnell Hammock of Oakland and Pastor Les Simmons of Sacramento participated in the meeting.
Pastor Wallace spoke at the White House meeting to emphasize the importance of getting the resources to trusted and credible leaders and organizations in the most vulnerable communities and accentuating the critical role of the Black Church and that it must be included in the strategy.
“For the Black Church remains the trusted voice with trusted information and proven leadership in addressing the critical issues facing our communities,” he said.
After years of heavy lifting, relentless organizing, and unwavering advocacy through LIVE FREE, under the national leadership of Pastor Mike McBride, the proper designation of gun violence has taken place. These clergy leaders share the belief that a meaningful public health approach is critical to prevent gun violence and brings together a wide-range of experts across various disciplines—including researchers, advocates, legislators, community-based organizations, faith leaders and others—in a common effort to develop, evaluate, and properly implement equitable, evidence-based solutions to this national crisis.
Pastor Wallace of Oakland says, “the Live Free CA Table is fully committed to working to alleviate the Gun Violence Crisis in America that is having a devastating impact on our children, families, congregations and communities.”
Wallace further states, “This historic announcement by the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Advisory that “Firearm Violence: A Public Health Crisis in America” will cause a major shift in the approach to stop gun violence and the allocation of resources to directly address the real root causes to help to alleviate this crisis.”
Studies have shown that such high levels of exposure to firearm violence for both children and adults give rise to a cycle of trauma and fear within our communities, contributing to the nation’s mental health crisis.
This Advisory describes the public health crisis of firearm violence in America and describes strategies for firearm injury and violence prevention, with a focus on the health and well-being of children, families, and communities.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of September 4 – 10, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of September 4 – 10, 2024
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Activism
Oakland Post: Week of August 28 – September 4, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of August 28 – September 4, 2024
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Alameda County
D.A. Pamela Price Charges Two with Attempted Murder in Freeway Shooting on Interstate 880
DA Pamela Price has charged Elias Nathaniel Jimenez, 22, and co-defendant Maria Rosalia Martinez, 43, with multiple felonies for an alleged freeway shooting in the City of Hayward. Both defendants are charged with one count of attempted murder, assault with a semi-automatic firearm, an additional count of shooting at an occupied motor vehicle, and possession of a large capacity magazine, among other charges. In addition, Jimenez is charged with two special allegations: use of a firearm and use of a loaded unregistered firearm.
![District Attorney Pamela Price](https://www.postnewsgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/PAMELA1.jpg)
Special to The Post
DA Pamela Price has charged Elias Nathaniel Jimenez, 22, and co-defendant Maria Rosalia Martinez, 43, with multiple felonies for an alleged freeway shooting in the City of Hayward.
Both defendants are charged with one count of attempted murder, assault with a semi-automatic firearm, an additional count of shooting at an occupied motor vehicle, and possession of a large capacity magazine, among other charges. In addition, Jimenez is charged with two special allegations: use of a firearm and use of a loaded unregistered firearm.
The criminal complaint alleges that on or about Aug. 6, Jimenez and Martinez shot into another vehicle that was occupied by an adult and an underage passenger traveling on Interstate 880.
“These allegations involve shooting from a moving vehicle at another car driving on the freeway, which is beyond dangerous,” said Price. “The charges, which include enhancements, reflect the seriousness of these alleged crimes and my commitment to hold those accountable who use guns in our community for such senseless and violent acts.”
If convicted and sentenced of all charges, Jimenez faces a maximum of 23 years and 9 months in state prison while Martinez faces a maximum of 13 years and 2 months in state prison. Both defendants are scheduled to appear for a bail hearing on August 27 in Department 112 at the Wiley Manuel Courthouse.
This story comes from The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office media office.
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