It could have been me.
I wonder how many other young black men thought that in the last few weeks. The case of Trayvon Martin is tragic; an unjustified killing. There are so many unanswered questions. Who knows if we will ever know exactly what happened that day. As they continue to investigate the case, we have to ask ourselves, where do we go from here?
I am not in the agreement with the Stand Your Ground law. Anybody can say they feel threatened, and that would then give them justifiable cause to use force; whatever kind of force, they feel necessary to “defend” themselves. There is just too much room for error as we see played out last month.
I shake my head when thinking about George Zimmerman. I feel sorry for him. He had prejudice against a young black man in a hoodie. His experiences might have said one thing about black people. But his experience with Trayvon has taught him another. And that is that not all black males, walking fast in a hoodie, are up to no good.
I don’t want people to get caught up in the emotional, gut response. Don’t get me wrong. It makes me angry that this has happened. It is crazy that today, this type of thing is still played out. That it is still going on is enough to make anyone upset. But we have to pray that justice is served and that good will come from this tragedy.
Frederick Douglass said that without struggle, there is no progress. Unfortunately there has to be some tragedy like this before there is change. It is up to us to take this and use it for growth and progress in our own lives, in our community and nation. Let us show our commitment to change through our actions.
How do you show you care? It’s by being involved in your own life and what goes on. It is parents being involved in your children’s lives. It is citizens being involved in public life. That means young people we need to vote. We need to rally and come together when injustices happen, anywhere and everywhere. We have to make our voices heard.
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Let’s remember Trayvon Martin and not let his death be in vain.
Brandnu Possibilities 