Thunder, Rafael Donner, a long time activist was found dead in his car on the streets of West Berkeley. Spending years working to free Leonard Peltier by coordinating monthly prayer circles infront of the Oakland Federal Building. He was a DJ on 104.1 doing a Pirate radio show entitled “Earth First, Corporations Last” on both Free Radio Berkeley and Berkeley Liberation Radio. He was also a dedicated advocate for People’s Park and worked on keeping the general peace between park users. He often recited the opening prayer during Park celebrations and could be found at numerous Native American powwows Sun Rise Ceremonies and other functions.
A Memorial was held July 30 starting at the Ho Chi Minh Park and proceeded four blocks north into People’s Park. There loved ones held an open mic event, some sharing stories and pain.
He is survived by two children, their mother, mother, nephew, and the larger community of friends and projects that he gave so much to.