Justice for O’Shaine Evans

On July 18 in San Francisco, the families of O’Shaine Evans, Kenneth Harding Jr. and James Rivera held a “Celebration of Life” for their loved ones, whose lives were stolen by police terror, as well as to celebrate the birthday of Nelson Mandela, who was born on July 18, 1918. Evans was killed by San Francisco police on Oct. 7, just yards from the South Park neighborhood where the celebration was held. Harding was killed by the San Francisco police on July 16, 2011, and Rivera was killed by two Stockton, Calif., police officers and a San Joaquin County sheriff on July 22, 2010.

Other families who lost their loved ones to police terror came in support as well, including the families of Pedie Perez, killed by the Richmond police on Sept. 14, 2014; Antonio Guzman Lopez, killed by San Jose State University police on Feb. 21, 2014; and Idriss Stelley, killed by San Francisco police on June 13, 2001. A number of supporters came to share food, love and memories. Several people performed for the crowd, including Antoinette Gaggero, singing “It’s Been a Long Time”; Teresa Smith, who sang “Amazing Grace”; and Carquinez, who did a social justice hip-hop song.