To Hon. Ursula Jones-Dickson, our Elected Officials and the Faith Community:

No one expects—or wants—to be thrust into a moment where their life is forever changed by violence.

No one prepares for the call.
No one prepares for the knock.
No one prepares for the devastating reality of losing a loved one to violent crime.

And yet, in the midst of grief, shock, and unimaginable pain, we are asked to do something few understand—we are asked to enter a system. A system of courts, procedures, unfamiliar faces, and legal language. A system we never asked to know as we encounter strangers at the most vulnerable time of our lives.

We write this letter as crime survivors and survivor families—voices united—to share why we have come together to support the leadership and re election of former District Attorney Pamela Price.

The Difference Compassion Makes

In one of the most vulnerable moments of our lives or its aftermath, we encountered something we did not expect from a political leader:

A leader grounded in integrity, compassion, and respect.

We were not treated as case numbers.
We were not left in the dark.
We were not dismissed.

Instead, we were:

• Listened to
• Informed
• Prepared
• Supported

Before and after she became the District Attorney, Pamela Price met us where we were—in grief, in confusion, in pain—and helped guide us through a process that can otherwise feel cold and overwhelming.

She answered questions.
She followed up.
She acknowledged our loss—not just legally, but humanely.

That kind of care does not happen by accident. It reflects leadership and intention.

A Survivor-Centered Approach to Justice

Former Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price’s administration brought forward a vision of justice that included survivors—not as an afterthought, but as a priority.

Her steadfast commitment to equity and justice for all was reflected in how survivors were treated:

• With dignity
• With transparency
• With compassion

Her approach did not weaken accountability—it strengthened it.

Because justice that includes survivors and prioritizes fairness is justice that is real.

Our Collective Voice

We did not choose to become survivors. But we are choosing to speak.

Together, we affirm our belief based on our experience that Pamela Price will move the District Attorney’s office toward a justice system that is respectful and supportive of those most impacted by crime in Alameda County. We urge you to recognize that no one person speaks for us and you do not know former District Attorney Pamela Price like we do.

Sincerely,
The Undersigned Crime Survivors of Violence in Alameda County

Addie Kitchen, Grandmother of Steven Taylor
Angelique Paige, Mother of Vernon Eddins
Anita Wills, Grandmother of Kerry Baxter, Jr.
Bivett Brackett, Mother of Jasmene Thompson
Carrol Curtis, Mother of Kevin O. Reese, II
Dennis Middleton, Uncle of Kamahl Middleton
Ocean Mottley, Jen Angel’s Life Partner
Rashidah Grinage, Mother & Wife of Luke Grinage & Rafael Grinage
S. Jamila Buckner, Mother of Rachel Imani Buckner
Terry Lovett, Mother of Jalani Lovett
Tinisch Hollins, Sister of James Smith & Mitchell Smith, Jr.
Wanda Johnson-Moore, Mother of Oscar Grant III