You may recall the story of Oscar Grant, the 22-year-old man who was shot and killed by a BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)police officer on New Years’ Eve in 2009. Despite committing no crime nor carry a weapon, the Oakland native was shot repeatedly in the back while he waited at the subway platform this friends.
Now, four years later, filmmaker Ryan Coogler is gearing up for the release of his first feature film, Fruitvale Station — named after the metro station where Grant died.
The independent drama, which will be released in theaters July 26, follows the last day of Grant’s life. Michael B. Jordan stars as Grant, Octavia Spencer as his mother Wanda Johnson and Forest Whitaker as the film’s producer.
Check out the movie trailer below, then click through the slides to find out five things you may not have known about Oscar Grant and his infamous murder case.
1. At the time of his death, Grant was working as a butcher at Farmer Joe’s Marketplace. He had served two state prison terms and was committed to living a lawful life for his family and future.
2. Grant’s uncle Cephus “Bobby” Johnson texted his nephew around the time he was shot and killed. It read, “Happy New Year … I love you.” Grant was never able to reply.
3. Grant was the father of a 4-year-old daughter. He also left behind his mother Wanda Johnson and girlfriend Sophina Mesa.
4. BART officer Johannes Mehserle was eventually sentenced to two years in prison for involuntary manslaughter. He was released after serving one year.
5. He was known by his friends as a peacemaker. During the tragic altercation the BART station, several witness said Grant was trying to calm down his friends as well as the officers.
https://hellobeautiful.com/2648214/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-oscar-grant/6/