Owen Li

Incarcerated Youth Win Victory on the Road to Closure
posted on MARCH 05, 2012 by Owen Li
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On January 11, 2012, in an unprecedented action, a group of youth I've been working with at Ventura youth prison posted an online petition calling for the superintendent to fix decrepit and disgusting conditions, such as overflowing toilets, filthy showers, and floors stained with chemical agents sprayed at them.

TAGS: Change.org, djj, Governor Jerry Brown, Ventura Youth Prison, In California, Books Not Bars
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The Banality of Evil
posted on JANUARY 17, 2012 by Owen Li
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On November 18, 2011, a campus police officer at UC Davis used pepper spray on a row of seated students peacefully protesting. A cell phone video of the incident went viral, made national headlines, and even inspired an internet meme. The most disturbing feature of the video, and a major reason for the uproar, was the casual attitude of the officer.

TAGS: djj, pepper spray, youth prisons
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The Banality of Evil
posted on JANUARY 17, 2012 by Owen Li
Comments
On November 18, 2011, a campus police officer at UC Davis used pepper spray on a row of seated students peacefully protesting. A cell phone video of the incident went viral, made national headlines, and even inspired an internet meme. The most disturbing feature of the video, and a major reason for the uproar, was the casual attitude of the officer.

TAGS: djj, pepper spray, youth prisons
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Remember What's Really Important
posted on NOVEMBER 16, 2011 by Owen Li
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Ella Baker Center Vigil 2006

TAGS: anti-violence, Oakland, Occupy Oakland, peace, silence the violence, In Oakland
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We’ve Been Framed
posted on NOVEMBER 08, 2011 by Owen Li
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Criticizing the black bloc for vandalism is like shooting fish in a barrel - both are pointless. I’m sure they will show up again so I want to reflect on recent media coverage and share my thoughts about our role as members of the occupy movement.

TAGS: #ows, Black Bloc, Children's Brigade, General Strike, mass movement, occupy, Occupy Oakland, In Oakland
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The Spirit of Prison Organizing Lives On
posted on SEPTEMBER 13, 2011 by Owen Li
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September 9-13, 1971 marks one of the most significant moments in American history and social struggle. Prisoners at the Attica Prison in New York state staged a rebellion, took over the prison and made a list of demands.

TAGS: Attica, EastSide Cultural Center, George Jackson, Hunger Strike, prison, prisoners strike, In California
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The 41st Anniversary of the Chicano Moratorium
posted on AUGUST 26, 2011 by Owen Li
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What do you picture when think of a protest against the Vietnam War (or as they call it in Vietnam, the American War)? Rallies in Berkeley? Killings at Kent State? How about 30,000 Chicanos of every age and background marching through East Los Angeles?

TAGS: Brown Berets, Chicano Moratorium, Fresno, Moratorium March for Peace
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Jesse Jackson and the Democratic Party
posted on JULY 14, 2011 by Owen Li
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Tell me if you relate to this: You're only half-paying-attention to the Republican presidential contenders right now. You're not looking forward to the primary season - surely it'll be less exciting than the last.

TAGS: Democratic Leadership Council, Democratic National Convention, Jesse Jackson
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Join Statewide Actions for Investment in People, Not Prisons
posted on JUNE 15, 2011 by Owen Li
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As we approach the 40th anniversary of the devastating failure known as the "War on Drugs," Communities United for a Responsible Budget

TAGS: Books Not Bars, Communities Rising, Critical Resistance, CURB, mass incarceration
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Happy Birthday Malcom X
posted on MAY 19, 2011 by Owen Li
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Today would be the 86th birthday of Malcolm X aka El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, one of the greatest leaders and public intellectuals in American and world history. I’ve always been inspired and fascinated by Malcolm, especially his sharp intelligence and unwillingness to compromise basic principles of dignity and equality.

TAGS: El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, Malcom X
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