By Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher, The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint
The San Diego County District Attorney is to be applauded on the recent indictments of 17 Hells Angels Defendants in the brutal attack on three African American men in Ocean Beach, California on June 6, 2023. The attack on these three young Black men is once again proof that we do not live in the “post racial society” that many wanted to claim during the Obama years. The fact that the District Attorney was able to coordinate the efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies to bring about the arrest and indictment of these individuals is quite significant when one considers the number of hate crimes being carried out in this state, with African Americans suffering the greatest incidents.
Summer Stephan, as District Attorney, and one of this state’s strongest fighters against hate crimes, has once again demonstrated the seriousness with which she takes this issue. But the indictment is just a step in the process. There must still be a trial with jury selection which could include people agreeing with the defendants, if drawn from among their peers. Then, there is the trial itself. The bottom line is that if we care as much as
the District Attorney, then we must not turn down the call to Jury Duty if it comes to us because it could include jury selection for this particular case.
We the community have a role to play in this drama. We must become the eyes and ears that can lead to this kind of arrest and indictment where such hate incidents occur. We all have a role in attacking this problem wherever it occurs.
Yes, on this one, we thank you Madam District Attorney. But let us not forget, we still have a long ways to go on this issue and we, the community, will be with you.
