Oakland's Youth Radio Non-Profit Vandalized By Protesters
OAKLAND (KCBS) — One of several downtown buildings hit by vandals during Monday night's protests in Oakland was Youth Radio, a non-profit that covers issues important to young people in the area.
The demonstrators protested the George Zimmerman verdict for the third night in a row and had earlier shut down Interstate 880.
Youth Radio staff spent the morning at their 17th and Broadway location vacuuming pieces of glass in their studios and offices. They made calls to get quotes on what it would cost to replace the three large smashed windows after protesters took to vandalism on Monday night.
21-year-old Derek Williams, who peer teaches a journalism class at the non-profit, surveyed the damage.
Oakland's Youth Radio Vandalized By Protesters, Could Also Serve As Their Platform
"It makes me really sad that for one. I believe that it's probably young people who did it and they just don't know what this space is for," he said.
Williams added that the space could be used as a platform by the same people who damaged the building to voice their opinions and anger over the Zimmerman verdict where he was acquitted of second degree murder in the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.
Youth Radio Deputy Director Erik Sakamoto said his thoughts on vandalism at times like this have not changed.
"There's a fair amount of disconnection from windows getting broken and those that feel that that's the move and those that are trying to peacefully demonstrate," said Sakamoto.
Sakamoto said the community has already come forward with donations to help with those repairs that could cost - upwards of $6,000.
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