Last updated on February 8th, 2013 at 03:45 pm
Today, in an afternoon press conference with Trayvon’s parents, Al Sharpton urged against violent words and action and insisted that supporters not operate outside of the justice system, “Do not disparage the name of Trayvon Martin with your anger… We must make the justice system work, otherwise this is for nothing.”
The family of the unarmed 17 year old who was shot and killed on February 26 has been more than graceful under pressure, calling for calm and begging supporters to await a rush to judgment. They have, with great dignity, denounced anything other than peaceful protest in the name of justice. They are not in the business of revenge and they don’t want their supporters to be either.
To get more stories like this, subscribe to our newsletter The Daily.
Here is the video:
Sharpton continued, “This is not anti-anybody. There are whites, Latinos, who have marched with us. This is not a hate campaign. This is a love campaign. We are not even anti-Zimmerman. We are after justice. We are for Trayvon. This is a love campaign, to pursue justice for an unarmed man who died.”
The family lawyer reiterated the call for peace and prayer, urging supporters to follow the examples of Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, Trayvon’s parents. No one can be hurting more than the parents of Trayvon, so if they can be dignified, so must all of Trayvon’s supporters.
Trayvon’s father said it’s been 44 days since his son was killed. The young man’s mother, Sybrina, said she’s been on a roller coaster ride, but feels justice will be served.
Zimmerman’s former lawyers currently do not know where he is, and have never in fact met him face-to-face. They withdrew from the case yesterday after learning that their client had contacted Sean Hannity of Fox News in addition to calling the special prosecutor without informing them of his plans to do so.
Attorney General Eric Holder vowed today to take appropriate action if there is evidence that a federal civil rights crime was committed. Angela B. Corey, the Florida special prosecutor, set a Friday deadline for an announcement in the Feb. 26 Trayvon Martin shooting case, but the Washington Post is reporting that insiders have led them to believe that charges against Zimmerman are imminent.
Florida special prosecutor Angela Corey plans to announce as early as Wednesday afternoon that she is charging neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in the shooting of Trayvon Martin, according to a law enforcement official close to the investigation.
In preparation for the announcement, the Seminole County sheriff’s deputies set up barricades along the booking area for new inmates at the county jail, according to WESH in Orlando.
The family of Trayvon Martin should serve as an example to everyone who cares passionately about justice. As devastating as this entire case has been, in addition to other racially motivated cases going on around the country, the best action for long term change is to demand legal justice with the eyes of the world watching.
Wage a love campaign, not a hate campaign. Love justice, love Trayvon, love truth. Love is stronger than hate.
Listen to Sarah on the PoliticusUSA Pod on The Daily newsletter podcast here.
Sarah has been credentialed to cover President Barack Obama, then VP Joe Biden, 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, and exclusively interviewed Speaker Nancy Pelosi multiple times and exclusively covered her first home appearance after the first impeachment of then President Donald Trump.
Sarah is two-time Telly award winning video producer and a member of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Connect with Sarah on Post, Mastodon @PoliticusSarah@Journa.Host, & Twitter.
