We talk with journalist Liv Styler about the ongoing fight to obtain justice for Baba Zumbi of the group Zion I…For those who are unaware, in August of 2021, Zumbi checked into Alta Bates hospital in Berkeley for symptoms that many associated with Covid. Turns out he didn’t have Covid, but he never made it out of the hospital. He died while in the hospital, and the coroner recently ruled his death a homicide.
According to reports, Zumbi was restrained by several security guards who zip-tied him and sat on his back, causing him to suffocate. The hospital claims he had a mental breakdown, but witnesses claim otherwise. To this day, no videotape of any kind has been released, and no one has been arrested. In fact the current Alameda County DA Nancy O’Malley said she wouldn’t press charges, but after community outcry, she claims she found some troubling evidence and is now looking into the case again.
In our conversation, Liv Styler details the frustrating delays and lack of transparency by both law enforcement and Alta Bates hospital, where Zumbi was killed. She talks about the painstaking steps folks have been taking over the past year to shine a light on Zumbi’s murder and how their efforts have been undermined by powerful forces that wish to depict Zumbi as a scary, violent man who had mental health issues.
Later on, in the show, we hear a throwback interview with former HKR host Weyland Southon with Zumbi at an Oscar Grant Rally back in 2009. He talks about why it was important for Hip Hop artists to push for justice for Oscar Grant.
Gonna wear my Zumbi memorial T to the Visionaries festival this Sunday down in Garden Grove. Glad I got to see his set 4 times since ‘07. #JusticeforZumbi