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Oakland's New Year
"I believe if there is ever going to be an individual to spearhead change in Oakland, Dellums is that individual..."
By Anyi Howell
Youth Radio's Anyi Howell reflects on Mayor Ron Dellums' inaguration, and lays out his hopes for the city of Oakland in 2007. Anyi wants Oakland to surpass the excitement of the hyphy movement, and the tragedy of the high murder rates, by easing into a calmer year of progress. (January 14 on KCBS)
From the hyphy movement to the high murder rate, Oakland's been all over the national news lately. Now, we have a new mayor who has embraced youth culture, as opposed to finding blame in it, in hopes youth culture will be the key to ending violence.
I am more than proud of the spotlight that the hyphy movement has earned my city. Hyphy is a unique form of communication and community.
Something that doesn't make me as proud is that the notorious "Oakland murder" rate reached new heights in '06. It maxed out at 148 deaths before the year's end, leaving countless families mourning and insecure.
While I can't say Oakland native Dellums will single handedly save the city, I believe if there is ever going to be an individual to spearhead change in Oakland, Dellums is that individual.
I'm glad 2006 is behind Oakland...and I hope 2007 doesn’t bring the same amount of simultaneous stress and excitement. Only progress.
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