Oakland (Special to ZennieReport.com) – On Thursday of this week, a man named Vincent Ray Williams will be the focus of a press conference produced by Community Activist Seneca Scott, and tell the story of how he was savagely beaten by a man named Earl Harper.
If you’re a Zennie62 YouTube Fan and thinking “where have I heard of this man Vincent Ray Williams before?”, it’s here, in this live video from February 15th, 2023. Then, Mr. Williams called this Oakland vlogger out of the blue, and to report Mr. Harper’s alleged assault on him. Prior to this contact, I never met Vincent Ray Williams. Couldn’t pick him out at a party if I tried. But he certainly knew who I was, and that I could get his story out for public consumption. Here it is:
Seneca Scott Press Conference To “Detail History Of Violence” Allegedly Done By Earl Harper
Here is Mr. Scott’s press release text on the event:
Earl Harper, husband of Oakland City Councilwoman Carroll Fife, allegedly attacked Vincent Ray Williams 3rd, founder of Urban Compassion Project (UCP), during the closure of an encampment at Fitzgerald Park in February 2023. Police reports indicate Harper, also known as Tur-Ha Ak, co-founder of the Anti Police-Terror Project and Community Ready Corps, “pushed, choked, and punched” Williams. District Attorney Pamela Price filed a battery charge against Harper in January 2024.
The incident was witnessed by current City Administrator Latonda Simmmons and former administrator Deborah Edgerly, as well as numerous neighbors and unhoused individuals. Williams and UCP had a designated role that day, assisting the city with encampment abatement and relocation efforts. Harper’s presence lacked a defined purpose and reportedly served to provide “security,” intimidating residents critical of his wife, Carroll Fife, an elected official.
This abuse of power extends beyond the violent attack on Williams. Harper has a history of intimidating residents and has a prior criminal record, including a 1997 firearm charge resulting in probation. Public records from the Department of Consumer Affairs show Harper has not held a personal security guard license since 2016, and Urban Shield, where he was involved, lost its license in 2009. Community Ready Corps operated without a license despite receiving significant payments for security services. Harper also lacks updated permits for baton and firearm use.
Williams and the community demand Harper be barred from attending official city meetings and urge Councilwoman Carroll Fife’s colleagues to censure her for disregarding 1st Amendment rights.
At the press conference, Williams and community members will detail Harper’s history of violence and discuss the urgent need to prevent further escalation and harm. Williams could have lost his life due to his injuries, underscoring the danger of allowing such violent behavior within City Hall, reflecting poorly on Oakland’s governance.
Three Black Oakland Men Should Not Seek To Divide The Community
The fact of the matter is that three black Oakland men should not seek to divide the community. Really, it’s the job of Earl Harper and his friend, partner, and Oakland District Three Councilmember Carroll Fife, to reunite everyone.
Fife should not stand behind violence and bullying toward anyone in Oakland, or West Oakland, or anywhere – but one can make a case that’s what she does. It’s not helping improve Oakland.
Some may dislike that I mention Councilmember Carroll Fife, but she’s said to be Mr. Harper’s partner, is running for re-election, and it’s her job to show the appropriate level of leadership.
Mr. Harper is a wise man who’s videos show a level of care that render reports about his character to be questioned. Just who is this man?
In closing, this is a sad period for Oakland and West Oakland. West Oakland has too many dire needs to be used as a political football, but that’s what’s happening.
Stay tuned.