Monday, April 16, 2012

Walking for Justice, Writing for Change




 Trayvon Martin lost his life on February 26th, when neighborhood watch volunteer, George Zimmerman shot and killed him as he was making his way back from the store to his father's house in a gated community. Zimmerman claimed he looked "suspicious" as he walked with his hood up, due to the rain. Zimmerman called the police to report what he thought was an intruder to the area and after being told not to pursue this individual, he disregarded the prompt and continued to follow the 17-year old. When he finally made contact, a confrontation resumed, ultimately consuming the life of this unarmed, black teen boy. Taken in for questioning after the shooting, George was never arrested and formally charged with the murder even after confessing...Why? Because of the plea of self defense. Using the state's Stand Your Ground law, he was able to walk right out of the police station, while Trayvon will never be able to walk again. The outrage prompted many marches, rallies and protests across the nation, with global support for the family of Trayvon.



On Saturday, March 31st, our writing class students were invited to participate in the 1,000 Hoodies Walk for Trayvon Martin in downtown, Springfield, MA. Because so many were touched by this story and wanted to show local support, over 1,000 men, women and children came out to support the March for Justice. Families, college, high school and elementary students, professors, business leaders, politicians, the young, the old and many, many community supporters came out and represented what unity can look like when we join together for a common cause. 
We wanted to send a message, one of hope and support, the other to our local elected officials that we will not allow the "Stand Your Ground" law to be passed and implemented in the state of Massachusetts. What happened to Trayvon, can and has happened in many states and we're saying enough is enough. The laws were made to protect the citizens of this country, not those who violate them and try to take them into their own hands. Trayvon was indeed a victim of racial profiling and the negative perception that is portrayed on TV and videos of our young minority men. The preconceived notion that wearing a hood and walking while black is a crime or one in progress is ridiculous and unjust. It is time for the conversation on race relations...You know, the one that many avoid.




Our young people need to know that they can make a difference, they can make a change and yes, it will take more than just a walk. But at least it's a starting point to engage the community, to allow those to be their own advocates for justice. Movement in the right direction is an action that will lead to exaltation, a place where we long to be as a people. A place where we all can be free and  it takes these very people coming together to stand for what's right, because it we don't stand for something, we will fall for anything! Stay tuned as our students will be sharing their experiences on this tragedy, what it means to them and ways that we as Americans can come together to change the face of racism. Our very existence depends on it.

Mara Hunter

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