Demanding ‘Justice for Trayvon’ (Videos)
Demonstrators in more than 100 U.S. cities from Los Angeles to New York gathered outside federal courthouses Saturday to press the Justice Department to file civil rights charges against George Zimmerman one week after a jury found him not guilty of second-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.
Exactly one week after a Florida jury found George Zimmerman not guilty of second-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, demonstrators in more than 100 U.S. cities from Los Angeles to New York gathered outside federal courthouses Saturday to press the Justice Department to file civil rights charges against the former neighborhood watch leader and to call for changes to the nation’s gun laws.
The teen’s parents, Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton, attended and spoke at two of the rallies. Watch what they had to say below.
Your support matters…The Washington Post:
In cities around the country, demonstrators gathered in support of the unarmed black teen in the now-iconic hooded sweatshirt whose shooting death in Florida last year inflamed racial tensions and raised questions about whether young black men are viewed more suspiciously than their peers of other races or ethnicity.
…But for many of the protesters and speakers, they provided an opportunity to express their outrage that George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch volunteer who shot and killed Martin after a confrontation in February 2012, was found not guilty of a crime by a jury on July 13.
…There were no reports of violence Saturday as demonstrations were to take place in more than 100 cities, including some where the temperature topped 90 degrees. Thousands reportedly showed up to a rally in Miami. Many of the demonstrators were African American and carried signs that said “Black life matters” and “I am Trayvon Martin.”
In New York, Martin’s mother, Sybrina Fulton, wore a shirt bearing her son’s face framed by a green hoodie. She pledged to keep up her activism on her son’s behalf despite the verdict of not guilty.
Independent journalism is under threat and overshadowed by heavily funded mainstream media.
You can help level the playing field. Become a member.
Your tax-deductible contribution keeps us digging beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that unearths what's really happening- without compromise.
Give today to support our courageous, independent journalists.
TD Original
In Pakistan and Iran, a grassroots women-led movement gives hope to millions of stateless people.
Activism
There is nothing right about a legal system that protects those hurting animals and punishes those trying to save them.
Politics
Advocacy organizations are pushing for new policies on voting rights, finance reforms, and judicial accountability.
Truthdiggers
Friends and mentees remember the mother of the disability rights movement.
Activism
The mission of Indigenous activists continues through their children and grandchildren.
World
Yemeni refugees say they are being abused by border guards and left to die.
You need to be a supporter to comment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.