Trayvon Martin, 17, was shot to death a year ago today by George Zimmerman in a case that divided a nation and challenged Florida’s “castle doctrine” law. Supporters of the family of the slain teen are calling for people to wear their hoodies “up” in his memory.
The unarmed Martin was wearing a hoodie while walking home when he was killed by Zimmerman, who still claims that he feared for his life and acted in self-defense.
Zimmerman most recently sought a delay of his trial, but the judge denied that request on February 5 — the same day that Trayvon Martin would have turned 18.
In addition to wearing hoodies, supporters have arranged for a number of candlelight vigils across the nation. Progressive Radio has announced a “million hoodie” vigil tonight in New York City that will include Benjamin Crump, the attorney representing Martin’s parents. As Aric Mitchell recently reported, Crump is exploring the possibility of a civil lawsuit in addition to the upcoming criminal trial of shooter Zimmerman.
Will the vigils go off as planned? As Stacey Barchenger for The USA Today reported in early February, one Florida vigil in early February was canceled at the last minute because of threats from three different sources.
“All it was going to be was a lighting of candles, happy birthday Trayvon Martin, rest in peace,” said John P. Francois, founder of Fathers Stand Up, who tried to organized the event. Next time, he said he would arrange for police or private security. “I don’t want to see anybody get hurt on my watch.”
Here’s a random sampling of the outpouring of tweets in Trayvon Martin’s memory:
1 yr ago today Trayvon Martin lost his life bcuz he looked “suspicious” RIP Trayvon #hoodiesup instagr.am/p/WMavd3K7s3/
— Vonnie (@chynared23) February 26, 2013
#HoodiesUp for Trayvon Martin who was killed a year ago.
— m a h o n e ? (@ohlookitsDebra) February 26, 2013
Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of the murder of Trayvon Martin. Honor his memory. Wear your hoodie!PLEASE RETWEET! #HoodiesUp
— Michael Skolnik (@MichaelSkolnik) February 26, 2013
Will you have your “hoodie up” to remember Trayvon Martin? Or do you feel that George Zimmerman’s fears were justified?
