The family of a baker, former publisher, and activist, Jennifer Angel , who was killed in a daylight robbery and assault in Oakland, feels that the perpetrators shouldn’t go to jail and that her death shouldn’t be used as evidence for state-sanctioned violence by the police.
When She Established Her Shop
In Oakland, Jennifer Angel, 48, established Angel Cakes Bakery in 2008. Before that, she worked as an editor for publications she referred to as “radical, progressive” and as a publicist for writers.
The Tragic Accident
According to Daily Mail, two robbers smashed Angel’s car window and fled with her possessions on Monday in front of an uptown Oakland bank.
She then pursued the robbers’ getaway vehicle, caught up with it, but was subsequently trapped in its door and dragged for more than 50 feet. The car sped off while her head was crushed against the sidewalk.
She Was In A Coma
Although, after spending days in a coma at a nearby hospital, her family confirmed by Thursday that she had passed away. The family has asked that her brutal killers not be imprisoned while the community’s authorities consider her death a homicide.
A GoFundMe Was Set Up In Her Honor
Those close to her made a statement on a GoFundMe that, as of the time of writing, has amassed over $145,846, stating that they would look into “alternatives” to prison for the criminals.
Jennifer’s Belief
The GoFundMe read reads that as “a long-time social movement activist and anarchist, Jen did not believe in state violence, carceral punishment, or incarceration as an effective or just solution to social violence and inequity.” It continued, stating, “We know Jen would not want to continue the cycle of harm by bringing state-sanctioned violence to those involved in her death or to other members of Oakland’s rich community.”
She Wasn’t A Fan Of The Cops
On Facebook , she once boasted that she had taught her staff to follow her lead and “never call the cops.”
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Her Friend’s Statement
Angel’s close friend and self-described “anti-prison director,” Emily Harris, told the San Francisco Chronicle that the statement is in line with her radical liberal beliefs.
“I think Jen would affirm that of course that’s what people have been trained to believe is the answer, to lock people up,” Harris said. “But we know that if the people who cause her harm are sent to jail, all we’re doing is perpetuating more harm.”
She Was An Editor
Before opening her bakery, Angel worked as an editor for the left-leaning magazine Clamor, as well as for the influential punk rock publication MaximumRocknRoll and her zine, F**ktooth.
Liberal outlet Propagandhi , a radical Canadian punk rock band, and Democracy Now were among those who honored Angel in her honor.
Angel Was Anti-War And Anti- Capitalism
Angel was “actively involved in antiwar and anti-capitalist struggles throughout the years, including Occupy Wall Street,” according to Democracy Now.
Her anarchist leanings were quoted by Crimethincc in a remembrance, saying the “core tenets of anarchism are autonomy, mutual aid, voluntary association, and direct action.”
She Used Her Bakey To Advocated Her Beliefs
Even a statement of her political beliefs could be found on the website of her bakery. “[Angel] believes that Black Lives Matter and that every person has the right to choose their own gender identity and gender expression,” the store’s “About Us” section reads.
Using Her Platform During The Black Live Matters Campaign
Angel published articles on her Facebook page supporting riots and looting during the Black Lives Matter demonstrations in 2020.
Who Is Jennifer Angel?
The Gofundme page describes Jen as someone who aimed to create an ecologically sustainable and highly participatory society, where everyone has access to the necessities, decisions are made by those who will be most affected by them, and everyone is free and equal. Jen believed that everyone should be able to live a life of dignity and joy.
The Murder Rate In Oakland
According to the San Jose Mercury News , 120 people were murdered in Oakland in 2021, despite a slight decline in crime rates from a 15-year high.
The Murder Rates In San Francisco
As Oakland experiences the same crime problems as its neighbor San Francisco , murder rates are still more than 50% higher than the averages for the five years before the pandemic.
