From the moment the incident was brought to national attention, the story of Trayvon Martin was instantly an item of debate. While it seemed obvious to many that a 17-year old armed only with a bag of skittles and a can of Watermelon Arizona Iced Tea posed no threat to society, others felt as though it was quite possible that he was killed in self-defense. As examples of outrage and disagreement filled social media and news outlets, the nation exhibited a clear sense of division over the issue. While misinformation, rumors and fictitious facts began to cloud the judgment of the public, people from all backgrounds, demographics and walks of life began to come together as peaceful protests took place across the country with one message: Justice For Trayvon.
On the night of February 26th, 2012 the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin occurred at the hands of George Zimmerman. Despite conflicting accounts of what took place that night, This fact we know to be inarguable. There is one controversial element to this case that will forever remain problematic in the minds of many. Despite the fact that a 17-year old boy was killed as a result of gun violence, with no question as to who had killed him, no charges had been filed and no arrest was made until April 11th, 2o12. Although George Zimmerman has continually argued his innocence based upon his theory of self defense, we will NEVER know the full story because Trayvon Martin will NEVER be able to tell his side of it. Today, the nation is on “verdict watch” as we wait for the the jury to announce whether or not they will find George Zimmerman guilty of murder in the second degree.
Finally, on Monday June 24, 2013 the trial to , determine George Zimmerman’s fate began. After countless witnesses were called on behalf of the prosecution and the defense the case was turned over to the jury yesterday for deliberation. Throughout the coverage of the trial, the media has scrutinized every detail of the case that was being presented from both parties. Many legal analysts noted the prosecution’s lack of direct evidence to prove their case that Zimmerman committed murder in the second degree and determined that likelihood of convicting of the charge had diminished. This was proven to be true after over 15 hours of deliberations when the jury delivered a “Not Guilty” verdict. While it is extremely likely that this will incite a great deal of anger and upset what message does such a verdict send to America? More specifically, what message does this verdict send to young black men in America?
George R. Chapman, Jr.
The case is extremely pivotal to the future of the legal system, but more importantly a defining case in race relations in America. I think a lot of people are shying away from this case being racially charged for various reasons, but I think to rule it out is insulting to minorities. Zimmerman’s words were intentional and so as far as I’m concerned his motives were well defined. If he is found not guilty, I think the message to America will be haunting. It will prove to the world that the lives of black men in the eyes of Americans at large is still as irrelevant as they were in the 19th century. It will cripple the already damaged relationships between blacks and whites in the south and really become yet another dark moment in America’s shady past.
Dorien Paul
The Zimmerman Trial is one of the greatest race cases that our generation has seen. But not only so, this case exists at the intersection of stereotype, racism, and gun violence. Unfortunately testimonies have boiled down to a contentious whirlwind of “he said she said,” however the State of Florida’s client, Trayvon Martin, no longer lives. Should George Zimmerman walk away from this trial a free man the scales of “Just-Us” will again show that they exist for the majority that run this nation, not the ones that built it. I’d hate for more black youth to lose faith in a system that’s meant to preserve truth and accountability in such a blatant disregard for Trayvon’s life. When will the system ever work on our behalf? I can already hear the conscious rap lyrics and see the angry black man t-shirts but our public unrest will not revive Trayvon, and it will certainly not protect the Damiens, Maxwells, Jeromes, and Baracks of tomorrow from walking in open battlefields where America’s “friendly fire” is claiming lives every day.
Ryan Lawrence
In a society plagued by a past of deliberate acts of social injustice and, arguably, a society still ravaged by acts of social injustice (either deliberate or subconscious), these acts are the product of one’s thoughts. On the non-emergency call, we were able to hear Mr. Zimmerman vocalize his thoughts, as well as the ensuing action (i.e. the gunshot) that resulted in the death of Trayvon Martin on the Laurer 911 call. In this light, I submit to you a case based upon racial profiling, which is an act derived from one’s thoughts, preconceived perceptions, and misguided beliefs. One may argue that Mr. Zimmerman was justified in his actions because his neighborhood was being victimized by those fitting the description of Trayvon Martin; however, in this instance, we find another African American wrongfully viewed as a criminal based upon his attire. Although the US has made great strides in mending race relations and the US Supreme Court has proclaimed the US to be a “post-racial society,” this thought has not fully manifested itself in the everyday thoughts or actions of those living here.
No matter the verdict, this is a very tragic event that has the ability to establish precedents and define the future of America on multiple levels. I have no doubt that some people will be disappointed if the verdict does not support their belief(s). Simply, I hope that the outcome of this case would foster an environment of equality and not tip the Scale of Justice in favor of more unjustifiable, future oppression
MY OPINION
In order to convict someone of a charge such as second-degree murder, all of the elements must present and the case must be proven beyond reasonable doubt. The prosecution clearly did not present enough substantial concrete evidence in the eyes of the jury. However, based upon the circumstantial evidence that was presented, I see absolutely no reason why George Zimmerman is walking free and did not even receive a lesser charge of manslaughter. I cannot grasp the concept that this person, who took it upon himself to pursue a young man who committed no crime and in turn lost his life out of a completely inaccurate suspicion and has essentially been forgiven everything. I will never be content the fact I could be placed in the same situation with the same outcome and some could receive a slap on the wrist. The law is designed to protect us however, it is clear that the law has the ability to work against itself. A lot of faith will be lost in the American justice system as result of this verdict.
What are your thoughts of the verdict?
-Jordan
