'Oscar Grant Day' granted in Oakland

'Oscar Grant Day' being considered in Oakland

'Oscar Grant Day' would honor Grant and the work and activism of his mother, Wanda.

OAKLAND, Calif. - Oakland city council members on Tuesday granted a day dedicated to the late Oscar Grant.

Grant's birthday, Feb. 27, is now ‘Oscar Grant Day’ to honor him and recognize the work and advocacy of his mother, Wanda Johnson.

"Oscar was amazing," City Councilwoman Treva Reid said at a virtual meeting, noting his life was cut off too soon.

On New Year's Day, 2009, the 22-year old was unarmed and fatally shot in the back by former BART police officer, Johannes Mehserle.

ALSO: Community calls for accountability and unity at Oscar Grant vigil at Fruitvale BART Station

Mehserle said he mistakenly grabbed his gun instead of his tazer. He was charged with murder and a jury eventually convicted him of involuntary manslaughter. He was sentenced to two years in prison, but served half the sentence when he was credited with good conduct in jail.

During a 2020 vigil unveiling a mural of Grant, Johnson said her son's legacy was one of love.

She has worked tirelessly over the years to honor her son and build trust between police and the communities they serve.

ALSO: Report describes BART police as 'seriously deficient' after Oscar Grant shooting