Stay Connected

‘Justice For Trayvon’ Rallies Take Place In Over 100 Cities Across US

Posted by | Published on: | Updated on May 29, 2017 CommentsComments (0)

In just over 100 cities throughout the country, rallies were organized to support "Justice for Trayvon" in light of the George Zimmerman verdict. Their aim is to bring to light the racial profiling issues involved in Stand Your Ground laws as well as considerably roll them back. These laws exist in over 20 states, and supporters of Travyon worry this verdict sets a dangerous precedent.

From Fox News:

The Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Network organized the "Justice for Trayvon" rallies and vigils outside federal buildings in at least 101 cities: from New York and Los Angeles to Wichita, Kan., and Atlanta, where people stood in the rain at the base of the federal courthouse, with traffic blocked on surrounding downtown streets.

Most rallies were scheduled for noon local times. Hundreds of people — including music superstars Jay-Z and Beyonce, as well as Martin's mother, Sybrina Fulton — gathered in New York.

Fulton told the crowd she was determined to fight for societal and legal changes needed to ensure that black youths are no longer viewed with suspicion because of their skin color.

"I promise you I'm going to work for your children as well," she said to the rally crowd.

At a morning appearance at Sharpton's headquarters in Harlem, she implored people to understand that the tragedy involved more than Martin alone. "Today it was my son. Tomorrow it might be yours," she said.

In addition to pushing the Justice Department to investigate civil rights charges against Zimmerman, Sharpton told supporters he wants to see a rollback of stand-your-ground self-defense laws.

"We are trying to change laws so that this never, ever happens again," Sharpton said.

Here are some photos and related links from the rallies, including photos of Beyonce and Jay Z, who attended the rally in New York City.

Related Stories

Back to top