Peaceful protests and marches across the country continue to form in honor of Trayvon Martin — and they don’t seem to be letting up.
Americans, particularly African-Americans are angry at the “not guilty” verdict handed to George Zimmerman last weekend, following his acquittal of the murder of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. The anger has manifest itself in protests from coast to coast, including a 1 million signature petition to convince the U.S. Department of Justice to file a civil rights case against Zimmerman.
Among the many protests that have already formed, Rev. Al Sharpton announced yesterday that he will lead a national “Justice for Trayvon” day in 100 cities this weekend to further press for federal civil rights charges against George Zimmerman.
“Saturday, the verdict lost the battle, but we have not lost the war,” Sharpton said. “People all across the country will gather to show that we are not having a 2- or 3-day anger fit. This is a social movement for justice.”
Rallies and vigils are planned outside of federal court buildings at noon Saturday in Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, New York and other major U.S. cities, Sharpton said.
“There is a blatant civil rights question. … Does Trayvon Martin and the Trayvon Martins of this country have the civil right to go home?” Sharpton asked.
Speaking against the “Stand-Your-Ground” law in Florida, Attorney General Eric Holder said he was concerned with how prevalent the controversial law was in securing Zimmerman’s acquittal.
“Separate and apart from the case that has drawn the nation’s attention, it’s time to question laws that senselessly expand the concept of self-defense and sow dangerous conflict in our neighborhoods,” Holder said.
