Today on Hard Knock Radio, we had the opportunity to interview Sevgi Fernandez, a dedicated activist and organizer from the organization Together We Stand. During our conversation, Sevgi provided us with an update on the crucial cases her organization has been handling in Contra Costa County, particularly regarding police accountability and the need for a significant shift in the political landscape.
One of the most alarming cases she discussed involved the Antioch police department. Shockingly, it was discovered that over a 10-year period, as many as 45 officers were involved in a deeply disturbing racist and homophobic text messaging scandal. Sevgi emphasized that not only did these officers use derogatory terms to refer to residents, but they also boasted about physically assaulting people and even issued threats to local organizers and activists who were striving to hold them accountable.
Expressing her profound disappointment, Sevgi criticized the newly appointed police Chief Steven Ford for his failure to take decisive action by not firing any of the officers involved. She mentioned that although some officers are currently on leave, the Antioch police department remains understaffed, and there has been no tangible improvement demonstrated by the officers in light of this appalling incident.
Furthermore, Sevgi conveyed her disappointment in Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton, who ran on a platform promising to hold police accountable but has yet to charge any of the officers. Sevgi stressed that Becton’s lack of action is a stark contradiction to her campaign promises.
Joining Sevgi in the discussion was Gabby Carter from the Long Live Love Foundation. Gabby shared the heartbreaking story of her son, Apollo Carter, a talented guitarist who tragically took his own life after enduring distressing interactions with the police in Los Angeles. Gabby explained that her son never truly recovered from the trauma of witnessing his father’s killing by the police in Newton County, Texas, back in 2011.
In an effort to find solace and healing after the losses of her husband and son, Gabby established a community healing garden in West Oakland. She lovingly described Apollo as a gifted musician who had a zest for life. The name of her foundation, Long Live Love, was inspired by a song he had written.
The conversation with Sevgi Fernandez and Gabby Carter shed light on the urgent need for police accountability and the profound impact such incidents can have on individuals and communities. It serves as a powerful reminder that justice and healing must be prioritized to ensure a safer and more equitable future for all.
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