Simi Valley Residents Demand Acknowledgment of Racism After Assault on Michael Robinson

A wave of emotion and urgency swept through the Simi Valley City Council meeting on August 5, 2025, as community members voiced their outrage over a racially charged attack on an 18-year-old African American male, Michael Earl Robinson. The incident, which occurred in the Regal Cinema parking lot, has ignited a firestorm of discussions about racism and accountability within the city.

Robinson was reportedly assaulted by a group of teenagers, who not only physically attacked him but also hurled racial slurs during the incident. Giovanna Pitts, president of the Black Student Union at Moorpark College, described the attack as a "targeted, racially motivated assault," emphasizing the psychological toll it has taken on young African Americans in the community. "Imagine being a young black person in Simi Valley... wondering if your life is even worth protecting here," she said, calling for a formal acknowledgment of the racial harm inflicted and a transparent investigation.

Community members passionately urged the council to confront the city’s history of racism, with one resident recalling the 1993 KKK rally permit issued by the Simi Valley Police Department. "This city has been racist for decades," another speaker declared, demanding accountability from local leaders and law enforcement. The call for change was echoed by multiple speakers, who highlighted the need for restorative measures and a commitment to ensuring safety for all residents.

The meeting also saw residents expressing frustration over perceived corruption within the police department and its relationship with the city council. One speaker urged council members to stop accepting campaign contributions from the Simi Valley Police Officers Association, arguing that it compromises their ability to address issues of racism and accountability effectively.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency for action was palpable. Community members left with a clear message: the time for change is now, and the city must confront its past to build a safer, more inclusive future for all its residents.