Fruitvale Station

I have high, but perhaps displaced, hopes that this movie will shed some light on some terrible things happening in our country, especially in light of recent events and rulings.

Forest Whitaker and Octavia Spencer are national treasures, and word is that Oakland local first time director and writer Ryan Coogler is an ace.  I lived in Oakland for more than 5 years, and it needs some love, some scrutiny, and some change.  But, like most cities with issues in the States, it just needs some attention in order to bounceback and thrive (see my other home, Pittsburgh, PA).

It is an amazing city, and each neighborhood is unique and beautiful and full of amazing people and thriving community love.

Let's look at some stats on the California poverty rates:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/14/california-poverty_n_2132920.htmlhttp://www.ppic.org/main/publication_show.asp?i=261

http://www.ppic.org/main/publication_show.asp?i=261

And let's look specifically at Oakland (this one has an interactive map!)

http://www.city-data.com/poverty/poverty-Oakland-California.html

And here is the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ceVVVils8z4