LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio (SCPR), a member-supported public media network. Hear our news on-air at our partner site:
Streets will be closed off in Downtown L.A. Monday evening to accommodate a march being held in order to raise awareness about and show support for the Justice for Trayvon Martin movement via a "Million Hoodie March" event.
Marchers from various civil-rights and community groups will gather at 4 p.m. at Pershing Square, and the march is set to get underway at 6 p.m., according to City News Service. The group will travel to City Hall, where they will regroup for a rally on the west side of the
Members of various civil-rights and community groups will be participating.
Martin, 17, was shot and killed in a Florida gated community by the neighborhood watch captain, George Zimmerman, who attests he felt threatened by the African-American teen. Zimmerman said he thought Martin was armed, however the teen, who was going to visit a relative and was on a phone call while being pursued by Zimmerman, was only carrying a beverage and some candy. Zimmerman has not been arrested.
ANSWER Los Angeles explains why the march and rally are happening today and what they hope to accomplish:
On Tuesday, April 10, the Florida Supreme Court will hear the case to arrest George Zimmerman. This case is only going before the supreme court because millions of people across the country have taken action to demand justice for Trayvon Martin. We must keep up the pressure in the streets to win justice. We will also demand justice for all victims of racist violence.
Join us for this important march to demand:
Justice for Trayvon Martin!
Arrest George Zimmerman!
Justice for all victims of injustice!
Repeal the "Stand Your Ground" law!
Here is the route: From Pershing Square at (5h and Hill) northbound on Hill Street, eastbound on Fourth Street, northbound on Broadway, east on First Street and north on Spring Street to the west side of City Hall.