Last Updated: March 23, 2012 [8:05 PM]
Wearing her hoodie in solidarity
#millionhoodies
If you are not aware of the Trayvon Martin murder and controversy, please take a moment to review the links below.
The case is receiving national and international attention as people of good conscience, regardless of race, rally in support of justice in this horrific case where a 17-year old high school boy was killed by a 28-year old man.
Trayvon, walking in his neighborhood in Sanford, Florida wearing a hoodie because it was raining, was carrying candy and a can of iced tea. George Zimmerman, his killer, was driving in his car, following Trayvon because he looked “suspicious” and armed with a 9 mil gun.
- Even President Obama has weighed in.
- Here’s a haunting photo of the Miami Heat wearing hoodies in solidarity as well.
- And “Justice for Trayvon” Community Page on FaceBook [updated 2/23/12 8:05 PM]
The point is not just ensuring Trayvon’s killer is arrested and tried but also to challenge the Florida “Stand Your Ground” law which apparently gives citizens the license to kill first and ask questions later. Note, however, the co-sponsor of the “Stand Your Ground” castle doctrine, FL State Representive Dennis Baxley, has stated the law as written would not apply to a case where the shooter pursues and confronts the victim. This tragedy should never happen again.
As a citizen, professor, lawyer and woman of color & conscience, I stand in solidarity with BLSA, with the nation and the world in support of Justice for Trayvon.
Justice is not just for some. But for all.
Here is the letter from the Black Law Students Association at Widener University School of Law:
On February 26, a 17-year old African-American boy named Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by a self-appointed neighborhood watchmen who thought he looked suspicious because he was wearing a hoodie (hooded sweatshirt). Nearly a month later, this gunman has yet to be charged or arrested.
The gunman has claimed self-defense, and local authorities have not yet charge him because of provisions in Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law. Awareness of this tragedy has been spreading over the news and social media networks.
For some information regarding the Trayvon Martin controversy and the “Stand Your Ground law, please see the links below:
The Black Law Student Association of the Widener Harrisburg campus feels strongly that justice has yet to be served in this case. As law students, we should be concerned with fairness and equality in all levels of the legal system.
Events expressing the disapproval of the lack of action by authorities have been organized all over the country, including law schools. On Monday, March 26, we are asking members of the Widener community to wear (1) all black or (2) a hoodie in solidarity of justice for Trayvon Martin.
Thank you,