KANSAS CITY, Mo. — They pound the pavement on a humid evening in hoodies with their signs, walking several blocks until they reach the Freedom Fountain.
They’re greeted by hundreds of others: different rallies called to show disappointment with the George Zimmerman verdict and their continued fight for his 17-year-old victim, Trayvon Martin.
One mother said it could have been her child.
“He’s my only son and I would hate to be in the predicament as the Martins. I would hate to,” said Lavesse Perkins.
Perkins brought her 11-year-old on Monday evening to hear what, she says, is the harsh reality for their family.
“He’s not understanding and I’m trying to get him to understand the outcome of the verdict of Zimmerman, of being racially profiled in our own community.”
Homicide numbers keep going up in Kansas City. Another point Monday’s rally highlights.
“We’re at 59 murders and counting. If we’re going to be outraged and rally and upset, this is what we should be upset about,” one participant in the rally said.
Organizers plan to host a discussion to talk about gun violence next month. It’s set for Aug. 17 at 2 p.m. near 31st and Prospect in Kansas City, Mo.
