The good that has come after the killing of Trayvon Martin

The killing of teenager Trayvon Martin was supposed to be another case of racial injustice, as those happening every day in the United States. After we would read about it and protest, we would then forget about it.

Instead, the death of this good man is impacting this country in a very positive way.

An unarmed, respectful and well raised young man who didn’t mean any type of threat to anyone was killed on February 26th. The man who killed him is still free. Update: It took 26 days for president Obama to speak about this crime.

Trayvon Martin. Photo Martin family / AP

One Million Hoodies Rally. Source: Democratic Underground. 

Like most people (I hope so), I get close to tears every time I read the story of Trayvon Martin, the 17 years old Miami teen that got shot over 3 weeks ago in Florida. It’s also hard not to get also furious about the way how the Sanford Police Department is treating the case, and when listening the excuses presented by those who try to justify this tragedy.

This is shameless injustice, caused without any doubt by racism. Trayvon Martin death is inexcusable, as it is the fact that the killer George Zimmerman hasn't been arrested nor prosecuted yet.

This case reminds us that there are people in this nation who still believe they are superior to others. They think that dark-skinned individuals are potential criminals, that nothing should matter when it comes to secure their “safety”, that they are entitled to do whatever it takes to keep “suspicious” people away from them.

The rest of us need to obey and explain ourselves to their supremacist views.

However, here is the beautiful part of this story because there is life after death. Trayvon might be physically dead, but his last moments in life have already inspired many to fight for justice, and his final calls begging for help haven't gone unanswered.

From now on, Trayvon Martin will remain as a hero for all who believe in justice and equality, for those of us who experience discrimination every day for different reasons, because of our skin color, income, gender, faith, culture, sexuality, origin, political ideas or any other reason.

The amazing reactions from people across the U.S. to this tragedy is growing strong.

Thanks to social media and grass roots efforts, people of all colors have protested and called attention towards this crime, which was widely ignored by most corporate media. This is a movement of the people for the people. This week only, thousands rallied in New York and Sanford, and a dozen of rallies and marches have been planned across the country. Please check Twitter for updates.

This all started to protest the racist crime of Peruvian American "neighborhood watchman" George Zimmerman, and the absurd and cynical response of the Sanford Police Department. Now this is a movement in defense of life, human rights and dignity, equality and justice. This reinvigorating not just African Americans communities but also peoples of all walks of life.

The good that come after Trayvon Martin's death.

Firstly, this is not about hate nor revenge. A lot of people thought initially that Zimmerman was a White man who felt he could kill a Black person and get away with it. He is actually a Catholic mixed Latino man, probably of Jewish Cuban heritage (which in Florida would give him privileges), of a Peruvian mother and a U.S. White father.

The protests are not seeking revenge against George Zimmerman in a personal level, no one is talking about hurting him the way he terrorized and killed Trayvon. This fight is for this man realize what he has done, then apologize for his crime and finally face the legal consequences a person like him should.

The protests are not promoting hatred or targeting Whites or Latino peoples, neither. We are demanding for those who feel they are superior to others because of racism, to stop targeting Black youth (or any dark skinned youth for that matter) as dangerous potential criminals.

No other young Trayvons need to die, face abuse or get incarcerated because they “look suspicious”, as it happens every day across the U.S. No racist laws need to justify these type of human rights violations.

There are 26 states across this nation where people are allowed legally to shoot anyone who they feel are a direct threat to their safety. The “Stand your Ground” laws say is okay for people to kill others because of fears, prejudices and racial stereotypes. This can only lead to more violence that may hurt any of us. These corporation-financed laws promote only more gun sales instead of public safety.

Source Pensito Review

Bringing families together


Trayvon Martin was not a street kid, someone raised parent-less, he was part of a good family.

Watching Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton fighting so passionately for their son's memory is very inspiring. Their actions are sending a strong message of love and family unity, especially to young parents and families in broken communities that have been attacked systematically in the past decades, causing a huge increase of dysfunctional families, where children grown up without parenting.

This is also creating more awareness among the youth, about racial hatred and violence. Many young people are watching that grown ups still care about injustice, regardless of the victim’s skin color. Even if we think we are alone, there are strangers who care about your life. A friend replied to me:

This is not just about Trayvon who at the moment has died in vain, until unjust laws are overturned and the lives of Blacks are worth the same as Whites. Until then, these incidents will continue to happen and swept under a rug. Trayvon's case will hopefully set a precedence to overturn these unjust laws. Because there are many cases we never hear about, because dead men tell no tales, and the many incarcerated; especially when it comes to men of color.

That is true. If nothing is done and justice is not served, this can happen to you and your children. Any of us could be the next Trayvon Martin.

Trayvon Martin did not have to die, but his death has impacted the lives of others, and sadly he is gone. Now it's the responsibility for everyone to do everything possible to stop racism and more racist killings. This is about life itself, this about your children, this is about entire communities. This should not happen ever again.

Trayvon Martin's parent's Tracy Martin, and Sybrina Fulton during the 'Million Hoodie March' in New York City, Wednesday March. 21. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer/ Christian Science Monitor)