Frisco Five

Alejandro Nieto Memorial

Amilcar Perez Lopez memorial 2015

The Frisco Five refers to a group of five activists in San Francisco, California, who gained national attention for their hunger strike in 2016. The strike was a protest against police brutality and the actions of the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), particularly under the leadership of then-Police Chief Greg Suhr. The Frisco Five's efforts were part of a larger movement seeking to address systemic issues within law enforcement agencies and to promote social justice and police reform.

Background

The city of San Francisco has a long history of social activism, with various movements and protests taking root in the city over the decades. Prior to the Frisco Five hunger strike, San Francisco, like many cities across the United States, had seen a series of protests against police brutality and racial injustice. These protests were part of a nationwide response to several high-profile incidents of police violence, particularly against African American individuals.

The Hunger Strike

The Frisco Five consisted of five local activists: Ilyich Sato, also known as Equipto, a rapper and community organizer; Sellassie Blackwell, a hip-hop artist and activist; Edwin Lindo, a law student and community activist; Maria Cristina Gutierrez, a longtime community organizer; and Ike Pinkston, a cousin of Ilyich Sato. On April 21, 2016, they began a hunger strike outside the Mission Police Station in San Francisco. Their primary demand was the resignation of Police Chief Greg Suhr, whom they held accountable for a series of police shootings and alleged systemic racism within the SFPD.

The hunger strike quickly drew attention from local and national media, sparking a broader conversation about police practices, accountability, and the need for reform. Supporters of the Frisco Five organized rallies and demonstrations, and the movement gained momentum on social media platforms.

Impact and Aftermath

The hunger strike lasted for 17 days, ending on May 7, 2016, when the health of the strikers deteriorated to the point that hospitalization was necessary. Although Police Chief Greg Suhr did not resign during the hunger strike, he was eventually forced to step down on May 19, 2016, following another police shooting in San Francisco.

The actions of the Frisco Five and the subsequent resignation of Chief Suhr were seen as a significant victory for police reform activists in San Francisco and beyond. The hunger strike highlighted the power of grassroots activism and the importance of community engagement in addressing issues of police accountability and social justice.

The Frisco Five's protest also contributed to ongoing discussions about the need for comprehensive police reform, including the implementation of body cameras, the establishment of independent oversight bodies, and the adoption of de-escalation tactics.

Legacy

The Frisco Five hunger strike is remembered as a pivotal moment in the fight against police brutality in San Francisco. It serves as an example of how committed individuals can bring about change through peaceful protest and solidarity. The strike also underscored the broader challenges facing cities across the United States in addressing systemic racism and reforming law enforcement practices.

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