KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Rallies across the country were happening Saturday for Trayvon Martin, one week after the man who killed him was acquitted.
Organizers held one in Kansas City, Kan. called “I am Trayvon Martin.”
The demonstration at the Big 11 Lake brought more than 150 people. It drew attention to the Florida case where neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman shot and killed the unarmed black teen, sparking numerous racial discussions across the country. A jury acquitted Zimmerman last week.
The crowd in KCK included Suzie Nelson and her 16-year-old grandson Turane.
“This is important. The most important thing right now,” Turane said.
“I’m saddened that children are losing their life in this country and its no big deal,” Nelson said.
But demonstration organizer Tamika Pledger said one life is one too many. She said while the event highlights the Martin case, they also want to push for solutions in their community.
“We want to kind of calm people to let them know that even though this has happened to Trayvon Martin, it does not have to happen here in Kansas City,” Pledger said.
She goes on to say, “You can still trust your law enforcement. We can still have faith in the justice system and that we can still work to change those laws, but do it in a peaceful manner.”