Oakland meeting calls for solidarity between Asian, Black communities after cop’s killing
By Ryan General
January 16, 2024
Asian and Black communities in Oakland, California, convened for a meeting aimed at fostering unity and addressing misunderstandings between the groups amid heightened tensions following the killing of local police officer Tuan Le.
Catch up: Le, a four-year veteran of the Oakland Police Department, was fatally shot on Dec. 29, 2023, while responding undercover with other officers to a burglary at a cannabis business near Jack London Square. Wearing plainclothes and driving an unmarked vehicle, Le was struck by gunfire after at least one suspect fired multiple shots at the officers.
About the meeting: On Sunday, members of the Oakland City Council met with representatives from different Asian and Black communities, including the Pastors of Oakland Association and the Oakland Chinatown Improvement Council, in a meeting aimed at strengthening unity and addressing inter-community tensions, as per KGO. Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price was also present at the meeting.
Calls for unity: Pastor Phyllis Scott, president of the Pastors of Oakland Association, highlighted how stereotypes and misinformation have fueled tensions between the African American and Asian communities in Oakland for decades. While the tragic killing of Le — who was of Vietnamese descent — further exacerbated existing tensions, Scott believes the fallen officer could become a powerful symbol of unity.
Stewart Chan, president of the Oakland Chinatown Improvement Council, emphasized the urgent need for unity, stating that stereotypes about Oakland’s safety only intensify the challenges faced by both communities. Meanwhile, City Councilmember Carroll Fife stressed the role of city officials in bringing communities together and using their platforms to encourage dialogue.
Updates on Le’s case: The ongoing proceedings in Le’s case underscore the need for community solidarity. On Sunday, Price’s office announced that a third suspect, Marquise Cooper, has been charged in Le’s death, reported KRON4. Cooper, along with Mark Demetrious Sanders and Allen Starr Brown, faces charges including first-degree murder and conspiracy.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Le to support his wife and family. So far, the campaign has raised $133,521.
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