What happened?

Police brutality had long been a major issue within the Chicano community, but it came to a head on June 11, 1976, when Jose Barlow Benavidez was shot and killed by Oakland Police Officer Michael Cogley. After a reported robbery, Barlow Benavidez was one of many young Chicanos who were stopped and searched. Officer Cogley had him spread eagled with a shotgun at the back of his head. The shotgun went off, killing Barlow instantly. According to Cogley, Barlow had lunged backwards towards the shotgun. In August 1976, a grand jury decided not to indict Cogley, despite testimony from several witnesses that Barlow had made no sudden movements.

In response to the Grand Jury decision, the Benavidez family and local activists organized the Barlow Benavidez Committee Against Police Crimes. Several protests were organized including a huge march on August 29, 1976, demanding Justice for Barlow, that began at Sanborn Park and ended at San Antonio Park, where a large rally was held.

The East Oakland community continued to organize against police brutality in the months and years that followed.