What the Trayvon Martin Case Tells Us and What YOU Can Do

Unfortunately cases like this happens all too often.... it just so happens that Trayvon's case hit the national spotlight. We all have stories of us or someone close to us in the same situation. Regardless of the outcome, it is 100% unacceptable.

In regards to the verdict that came down on Saturday, to be honest, I expected it, but it still saddens me greatly. However, we do know that that "George Zimmerman's business with the criminal court in Florida may be done, but a federal civil rights investigation remains open, and legal experts say he could face a civil suit"
Also there are online petitions and protests going on around the country.  So what are WE doing about it?  Get Busy!

Here are at least 9 things we can do...(off the top of my head)

Rallies in Raleigh, NC

1. We can sign petitions
2. Protest and rally in your community
3. Volunteer with your local 'get out the vote'
4. Write letters to your local, state and national reps to make changes
5. Better yet write our legislation and proposals ourselves
6. We can also make sure we're having "the talk" with our sons to make them safe (sad but necessary)
7. Teach our kids their heritage and history. 
8. Volunteer with organizations that support the uplift of our young men
9. VOTE IN EVERY ELECTION

These are just a few suggestions off the top of my head, but what else can we DO?

"The soul that is within me no man can degrade"

Frederick Douglass

Here's the thing, my heritage and my identity is not defined by my struggle(not solely), it is not defined by how someone else views me or is afraid of me or threatened by me. Our heritage is one of greatness, and leadership and genius and beauty and yes, resilience and strength.


Now, here are three petitions you can sign today:

The first is to tell all states to repeal or reject "Stand Your Ground" laws before more people are murdered for presenting imaginary threats.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/563/278/407/?z00m=20594296

The second is the NAACP petition to urge the Department of Justice to file civil rights charges against Zimmerman.

http://www.naacp.org/page/s/doj-civil-rights-petition

The third is a petition to free Marissa Alexander, a black woman serving 20 years for firing a warning shot and no one was killed.  Yes, Michael Vick went to jail for killing dogs while Zimmerman walks free for killing a teenage boy, but Marissa gets 20 years for killing no one.  Please sign this petition.

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/pardon-marissa-alexander-serving-20-year-prison-sentence-firing-warming-shots/dbd2tBdS