#MillionHoodieMarchPhilly: Support for Trayvon Martin

"If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?"

If a guilty man walks free in our community because a murder occurred but no one was around to witness it, will our screams of injustice be heard? This question has been answered by recent protests of the murder of Trayvon Martin.

"What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now!"

Demonstrators chanted this and other phrases Friday, March 23rd as they marched through the streets of Philadelphia to honor the life of seventeen year old Trayvon Martin. Martin was shot and killed February 26th in Sanford, Florida by Mark Zimmerman, a vigilante whom, claiming self defense, was never arrested. The seventeen year old was wearing a hoodie and armed with a bag of skittles and an iced tea, however Sanford police claim that with little facts about the incident there is not enough evidence to arrest Zimmerman. Police arrived on the scene of the crime at 7:17pm, which also marked the start time of the Million Hoodie March in Philadelphia. This march is the latest in a string of protests putting the Sanford Police Department on the spot and supporting Martin's family.

Police estimated numbers in the thousands for those in attendance at the march, which started at 30th street station and ended at Love Park. Oftentimes demonstrators were asked to slow their pace however no violent incidents occurred which further amplifies the impact of the intended message. Many carried signs and nearly everyone wore a hoodie ; some carried skittles and iced tea held high.

I had the pleasure of speaking with, Jay Moody (@jaymoody_), one of the organizers, as well as various spectators. The purpose of this event was clear but now what happens? Where do we go from here?

Excerpts from the interviews as well as more details about the demonstration are coming soon!

-- Nola Darling

Photo Credit: Nola Darling and Brian Artis (www.humblebeez.com)

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