Beyond the Gunfire in Oakland

To the Editor,

In the wake of yet another tragic school shooting at Skyline High School's graduation ceremony, my heart aches for the families impacted by this senseless violence. While the news media will rightfully cover the shooting itself, I fear the broader context and humanity will be lost amid the headlines.

We won't hear about the joyous celebration intended to highlight the accomplishments of a diverse group of graduates and their families. The beautiful keynote speech by faculty member and Music Program Director, Adam Green, https://www.youtube.com/live/1Z_BtcavI6s?si=v42J24iWOA1GZ3w5, and students encouraging kindness, perseverance, and compassion in the face of adversity will go unheard. The community support from Skyline Community Church offering parking and transportation assistance will be an afterthought. And the valedictorian's riveting speech inspiring her peers to embrace their identities as people of color while showing empathy for the Palestinian cause will be overshadowed.

This shooting represents a tiny fraction of the Oakland community's vibrancy, resilience, and positivity. Our city has deep roots filled with beauty, joy, and strength in overcoming oppression and violence through love and human connection. The 2024 graduating class at Skyline embodied this spirit, but their monumental achievements will be drowned out by this tragedy.

When will enough be enough? The statistics are staggering - 4 in 10 Americans know someone impacted by gun violence. For parents of children under 18, it's a staggering 1 in 2. Gun deaths among kids rose 50% from 2019-2021 alone. The U.S. is the only developed nation where gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and teens over car accidents.

How many more lives must be shattered before we demand real change and sensible gun laws? Our children's futures depend on prioritizing their safety over gun lobby interests. We cannot allow this to be just another shooting statistical blip overshadowing all the light and perseverance that remains in Oakland and communities nationwide.

Sincerely, Rev Laurie Manning, Pastor Skyline Community Church