Clarifying Our Position Re: Thursday's Emergency Communique

There have been a lot of questions, misunderstandings, and, quite frankly, blatant mischaracterizations from the media, allies, and those looking for the opportunity to establish lanes of attack regarding both our communique and what it means for us to "not endorse" an action while at the same time offering bail support.

We want to take this opportunity to clarify our position:

Leading up to the event last night, countless community members, supporters, allies, and more reached out to APTP for guidance on whether they should participate. But without knowing who had planned the event, we were unable to endorse. As such, we decided to put out a statement that provided those who chose to attend with a few key points: We listed things people could do to keep themselves safe, we asked that fires not be set to protect those vulnerable to COVID-19, and we offered financial support for bail for Black and Brown folks if there were arrests.

The Anti Police-Terror Project leaves it to the people to decide when it is time for resistance or rebellion. And if we aren’t hitting the streets of Oakland, we still encourage the community to engage in the manner of their choosing – as long as they are led by Black organizers and being kept safe.

In summary, what we did do:

• Clarified when we were asked that we could not endorse because we were unaware of who was making the call.

• Committed to bail support for Black and Brown folks who got locked up.

• Provided safety tips for those who chose to engage.

• Asked participants to consider the impact of smoke on the respiratory health of the already impacted Black community.

What we didn't do:

• Attempt to sabotage the turn out in any way.

• Not turn out because of fear.

We will also not allow our positioning to be used to either divide us based on strategic differences or discredit us. 

We are and will forever be about the work.

Until tomorrow,
APTP

Here’s a link to our statement published on 5/28 >