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Jacksonville rallies for Trayvon Martin

By Fern

Community demands justice for Trayvon Martin.

Jacksonville, FL – About 400 people rallied, July 14, at Hemming Plaza in downtown Jacksonville to protest the outrageous not guilty verdict in the trial of George Zimmerman.

The rally brought together groups including the Coalition for Justice for Trayvon, Dream Defenders and others. Many people from the crowd spoke out against the racist verdict and led chants of “Justice for Trayvon, it could have been your son!”

Keith Mack, of Northside Jacksonville, spent hours before the rally passing out fliers to outraged citizens in the downtown area. People were receptive and glad activists were organizing a rally to demand justice for Trayvon Martin since the courts failed to provide justice. “What is the value of a Black life?” Mack asked the crowd during his fiery speech.

After listening closely to the engaging speakers, the crowd marched to the courthouse chanting, “No justice, no peace.” Protesters vowed to continue struggling to win justice for Trayvon Martin, his family, and the African American community. A few Jacksonville protesters planned to attend a rally at the capitol building in Tallahassee on July 16 and many more will attend statewide protests at local Department of Justice buildings on July 20.

The crowd gathers in Hemming Plaza as the rally begins.

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