A message from Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O'Malley:

Today is Juneteenth. This day, June 19, is the annual observation of the end of slavery in the United States in 1865. It is called the second Independence Day in America and is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth marks the day on which news of emancipation of those held in slavery reached people in the deepest parts of the former Confederacy in Galveston, Texas, nearly two years after the Civil War. That day confirmed freedom for the last remaining slaves in the deepest parts of the South. 

The recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and Rayshard Brooks have shined a devastating light on the systemic inequitable treatment of African Americans in our country. For far too many, this is the reality of their lives. But, that reality can no longer be experiences separate from all of us. There is a critical need for structural and systemic improvements within the American justice system. Our office, and each of us with the privilege of working here, share the responsibility of working to eradicate racism, inequities and inequalities against African Americans. We have the duty to ensure that equal protection for all is guaranteed in each interaction with the system. 

Although Juneteenth is not a State holiday, it is a recognized holiday in 47 states and the District of Columbia. I urge all of us to observe and celebrate Juneteenth. It is a day to not only reflect on the injustices against African Americans, but to celebrate the significant role that African Americans have played in the United States.

I include our colleagues in the DA’s Office of African descent. Our brothers and sisters have enriched our society through their steadfast commitment to promote and fight for unity, equality and justice. 

To that end, I invite any of our employees who would like to participate in the walk around the Lake and other events celebrating Juneteenth, to do so. 

We in the ACDAO have been very mindful and purposeful in giving focus on creating programs that reduce racial inequities and inequalities. Through our Collaborative Courts and the work of the Victim-Witness Advocates as well as the Alameda County Family Justice Center, we are working to support, and empower victims of crime, many of whom are African American. 

Today, we shall take the time to understand the deep historical and emotional significance of Juneteenth.   
Oakland, CA – Alameda County District Attorney today issued a statement in strong support of this week’s United States Supreme Court rulings in two landmark cases. Early in the week, the Court ruled that civil rights protections barring workplace discrimination on the basis of sex apply to LGBTQ individuals. Yesterday, the Court ruled that “dreamers’” status in the US will continue to be protected by DACA, an Obama-era program that protects over 700,000 immigrants brought to the US as children from deportation.

“I place the highest value on the amazing diversity within our county- a strength that enriches the lives of all residents. The LGBTQ and immigrant communities are an integral part of the fabric of Alameda County and the District Attorney’s Office will always fight for and protect their rights,” states DA O’Malley. “This week’s rulings by the Supreme Court offer hope and a ray of light in the otherwise troubling and distressing struggles our country currently faces. The rulings are strong steps forward towards a fair and just society.”

The dreamers who live in our county are all of us. These young people have grown up in the United States, attend school, college and graduate programs. They are contributing and engaged members of our cities and contribute greatly to the strength of our society. 

The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has long sought to protect both the LGBTQ and immigrant communities in Alameda County. Our Hate Crimes Unit is dedicated to safeguarding members of both these communities from hate-based criminal activity as well as hate-based rhetoric. We maintain a hotline and a specialized prosecution team and ask the public to reach out to our office to report instances of hate-based crimes and/or speech.

The DA’s Office has a well-established policy aimed at supporting the needs of all individuals in the county, regardless of immigration status. Victims of crime and witnesses must feel safe and secure that making a police report, seeking help or coming to court will not result in adverse immigration consequences. Our doors are open to all who are searching for resources from our Victim/Witness Advocates or at the Family Justice Center, where we provide all necessary services regardless of immigration status, including assistance in applications for U and T Visas that protect victims’ ability to remain in the US. We will always steadfastly oppose any interference or presence of immigration personnel in our county court houses.
Alameda County Family Justice Center
(510) 267-8800
470 27th St. Oakland
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