Thursday, September 13, 2012, local interfaith leaders met at the Oakland Peace Center with the family of Alan Blueford and discuss the many details of this case. This event was organized by the Interfaith Tent for Justice and the meeting was facilitated by local Pagan leader T. Thorn Coyle.

The Interfaith Tent for Justice formed to create sacred spiritual space during the Occupy movement in Oakland.  The interfaith tent was placed in the Frank Ogawa Plaza and gained national attention when 14 Clergy members were arrested during police raids of the Oakland Occupy participants.  This collective of clergy have continued to support the social justice movement within the city of Oakland.

The case of Alan Blueford has gotten attention in the Bay Area and in other areas throughout California.  Alan Blueford, an 18 year old senior at Skyline High School, was shot and killed by  Officer Miguel Masso of the Oakland police officer on May6, 2012.  The details of this case continue to uncover as various reports and investigations come to light.  Recent coroner’s report shows that Blueford had no gun residue on his hands, no drugs or alcohol in his system and the direction that the bullets entered his body are questionable.  More detailed information about this case can be found at http://justice4alanblueford.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/bluefordfactsheet5.pdf

There were between 50 – 60 people at this emotional and powerful event.  A tear provoking testimonial was given by Jeralyn Blueford, the mother of Alan Blueford, and by other members of the Alan Blueford Coalition.  Jeralyn Blueford spoke of her experience since the death of her son.  She spoke about misinformation given to the family, lack of answers from the city council, police department and the mayor, and she also spoke about having to wait for hours in the police station after the incident to find out what happened to her son.

Among the religious leaders in the crowd, three local Pagans were present at this call for justice meeting.  Beside myself, T. Thorn Coyle, of Solar Cross Temple, and George Franklin were present as Pagan leaders.  T. Thorn Coyle continues to work with the Interfaith Tent for Justice since the height of the Occupy movement and has worked to gain support from other local Pagans faith leaders.

T. Thorn Coyle’s jacket

The supporters from the Interfaith Tent for Justice will be supporting the family of Alan Blueford the upcoming Oakland city council meeting on Tuesday, September 18^th and are busy planning the upcoming vigil and walk to city hall in October. Outreach to local faith leaders and Pagan faith leaders for support are underway for both events.

Pagan Newswire Collective will continue to follow this story and the development of events around the case of Alan Blueford and the efforts of local Pagans in this social justice fight. 

http://justice4alanblueford.org/

Crystal Blanton reporting, Pagan Newswire Collective Bay Area