January 09, 2013

New anti-violence mural unveiled in Oakland

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- An Oakland community group is trying a new approach to fight street violence -- with a traveling mural.

The Attitudinal Healing Connection of Oakland commissioned the mural that was unveiled Thursday outside the West Oakland Youth Center, which is still under construction.

The mural represents hope and forgiveness. Families of Oakland gun violence victims attended the unveiling.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee was also at the unveiling. She hopes new gun control legislation at the federal level will take firearms off Oakland streets.

"Many people get killed by the use of assault weapons," Lee said. "And so, banning assault weapons is just one effort that I think will really reduce the crime here on the streets of Oakland."

The mural was painted on large panels, which makes it portable. It will travel throughout the city of Oakland to promote peace.

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