A rally for Angelenos to show their solidarity with nationwide actions supporting Justice for Trayvon Martin, an African American teen killed in Florida, is scheduled for Sunday afternoon in Crenshaw.
Martin, 17, was walking through a gated community in Sanford, Florida to visit his father's girlfriend, when he was fatally shot by the captain of the neighborhood watch, George Zimmerman. Zimmerman called authorities to report a "suspicious person" and was cautioned not to follow him, but Zimmerman did, and shot the teen dead. Zimmerman claims he was acting in self-defense, however Martin was unarmed--he was carrying some Skittles and an ice tea. Zimmerman has not been charged with murder.
To call attention for what many see as an injustice, rallies have sprung up around the nation. Wednesday in New York City, a "Million Hoodies March" took place, at which Martin's parents gave speeches.
Angelenos will be gathering Sunday, March 25, at 2 p.m. at Crenshaw Boulveard and Exposition Boulevard for a rally slated to travel along S. Crenshaw Blvd. to Leimert Park, at S. Crenshaw Blvd. and West 43rd Place, Los Angeles. The rally is expected to last until 5 p.m.
Organizers, including members of Occupy the Hood - Los Angeles, say that participants will have signs, banners, and be wearing “hoodies,” hooded sweatshirts of the type Trayvon Martin was wearing when he was murdered.
A Facebook page, Justice for Trayvon Martin, has more information about nationwide events and the case.
