Trayvon Martin: One Year After The Verdict

It's been a year since one of the biggest miscarriages of justice ever occurred. Trayvon Martin's killer was found not guilty. How?! I will never know. The facts of the case were clear. Martin was stalked and hunted and executed for nothing more than being a Black man in a hoodie. There is nothing right or just about that. His killer deserves to die a horrible slow death locked in a tiny cell. Instead, he is still breathing and walking free. This is not justice. A year later, I am still disgusted by the verdict. I've written about Trayvon Martin a lot. There is something about his murder that struck a deep cord in me. It's been a year since Martin was denied justice. A year filled with ridiculous actions by his killer. The most recent being a report that he is homeless and broke. Good. Martin's killer deserves much worse than that for taking a life. I still weep for Martin and his family.  

"I will never accept the verdict," Sybrina Fulton said. "I still feel like my son was murdered."

A year later, the fight still continues for Martin's parents, Sybrina and Tracy. There is a Trayvon Martin Foundation housed at Florida Memorial University. The people who wrongly believe that we are living in a post-racial America are quite deluded. Racism is alive and well and thriving in these United States of America. Almost 57 years after the brutal killing of Emmett Till, a case like Martin's still exists. Both young men who were killed because their skin color made someone uncomfortable. Both too young to be taken in such a brutal manner. Where is the justice? There is nothing we can do to bring Martin back. But, we can all make sure no one ever forgets his name because his story is important. Also, so his murder won't be in vain. A year later, the injustice still stings. A year later, we are still angry. A year later, a murderer is still walking free. I do not know about you but there is nothing just about that. No Justice, No Peace. R.I.P. Trayvon Martin.

Newsflash: Black Skin Isn't A Crime

Renisha McBride. 

Jonathan Ferrell. 
Jordan Davis.
Trayvon Martin.

I am tired. Tired of waking up to news of another unarmed Black teen being shot and killed by a white person. Tired of the killers claiming the "Stand Your Ground" defense. Ti-red. Is is open season on Black people? Does my brown skin automatically make me a suuspect and a criminal? And, if so, there is something inherently wrong with you and your racist way of thinking. This is not ok. Killing people is not ok. Murderers like George Zimmerman, Michael David Dunn, Randall Kerrick, and Theodore Paul Wafer should do the time for their crimes. No one should be able to legally kill unarmed Black people and not go to jail. How is this ok with anyone? 

Trayvon was just walking home from the store with a tea and some Skittles. He never made it there. His race made him a suspect in the eyes of his killer. Jordan Davis was just sitting in a car listening to music in the parking lot of a gas station. He was minding his own business. He never made it home because his killer decided to take his life. Jonathan Ferrell survived a horrific car crash only to die at the hands of a white cop who considered him a suspect. REnisha McBride had a car accident, a dead cell phone and was just trying to get home. Another child who did not make it home because her killer decided she shouldn't. None of this is just or moral or legal or right. Why does my skin offend white people so damn much? Does my Blackness really scare them that much? Is there an automatic target placed on our backs? None of them were doing anything wrong or illegal or criminal and they are still dead. There should be nationally outrage about this.

This is how I truly know that the U.S. is not a post-racial country. Also, that term is stupid. Even with a Black President and a Black First Family living in the White House, we are not past race related issues int his country. I've seen and experienced more issues of racism since President Obama began his historic run in 2007. Race will always be in issue in the country which was built on the genocide of one race (Native Americans) and the enslavement of another (African Americans). No, I do not want apologies for slavery or genocide. I want acknowledgement of the messed up history of this country. I want racist to realize that none of us have a choice on our skin tones. The melanin in my skin isn't meant to offend you neither is my pride in it. I am fearful for my 4 brown nephews and 5 brown nieces that this is the world they are growing up in. I am pissed that this is the world we live in. And, more than anything, I am tired, weary and sick of this. It's 2013 and change is needed more than ever. We need a resolution but even more, I think we need a revolution. And, yes, it needs to be televised, tweeted, tumbled and blogged about. 

Rant: Trayvon is Not A Joke, Blackface is Not Acceptable

The idiots above are William Feline, Caitlin Cimeno and Greg Cimeno. They are portraying Trayvon MArtin and George Zimmerman. For Halloween and for fun I guess. WHY?!?! Who are you deplorable human beings? I cannot even put into words how pissed I am about this. 

NEWSFLASH: THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR!! EVER!! Blackface is never culturally or morally appropriate. I do not know why people, especially white people, do not get this. It is offensive on so many levels. I'm offended that anyone thinks that a 17 year old murdered child is funny and ripe to be mocked via a Halloween costume. Who raised you no couth, no morals having folks?!? Where do you even come from? This is sick and disgusting. It is WRONG. There is no other way to spin it or see it. If you find this funny or cute, then something is wrong with you as well. This is what's wrong with the world right now. Folks are clearly insane. 

Actress Julianne Hough (above) did not get the memo that this is unacceptable. Why doesn't anyone get that you can portray Black characters like Crazy Eyes of "Orange Is The New Black" without donning Blackface? I cannot even imagine how disheartened Sybrina and Tracy, Trayvon's parents must feel. Isn't it bad enough that their son was murdered, that their dead son was put on trial for his own death basically and that his murderer got away with the crime? When is enough finally going to be enough? White people, get it together. This is not a situation to be mocked or ridiculed. If you are one of the sick ones who decided that Blackface was the way to go for Halloween or any other occasion, DON'T. Reconsider. Find the nearest stadium and have every seat in it. Also, pray because clearly you need Jesus. I just cannot with these people. Ugh.

"100 City Vigil" for #JusticeForTrayvon

I've spent the last two weekends at #JusticeForTrayvon rallies. The first was not as well attended as the second. The second one, which was today, was a huge success. So many people came out to support. I was excited to see that people really do care. We are upset. We are outraged. We will be moved to action. Trayvon's life will not be lost in vain. From the home made signs and t-shirts to the hundreds of people in hoodies. everyone was there for the same cause. It was peaceful and well orchestrated. The former mayor, Marc Morial, spoke. I was always a fan of him and his politics. I'm still angry about the verdict. I'm still so sad for Sybrina and Tracy. The judicial system failed their son, failed them. And, we were all witness to it. We need a huge change to come. The "Stand Your Ground" laws need to be either abolished or severely revised. I truly hope all this movement pushes the Department of Justice to do the right thing and charge Trayvon's killer with a civil rights case. I feel like I have to show up to these rallies because I care. I hope you all did the same. No Justice, No Peace.  

 

NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE

Justice was NOT served tonight. George Zimmerman was found NOT GUILTY of murdering Trayvon Benjamin Martin. Excuse my French, but how in the holy fuck did this happen??!!??! If George Zimmerman is not guilty of killing an unarmed kid, then please tell me who killed Trayvon? Who? Who will be held accountable for his murder? Let's be clear, I am pissed. The same way I have been since I started writing about this case on March 15, 2012. This case struck a chord for me for so many reasons. None more than the fact that I have 4 nephews under the age of 10. This case and verdict scares me. I am afraid for them. This case was about so many things: racism, profiling, clothing, and privilege. Zimmerman killed a kid and then went home.  If not for the public outrage, this case would've went away. Zimmerman was arrogant as was his brother, mother and father (who wrote a book that blamed "Blacks" for his son being on trial no less). The trial started and I was disgusted by the defense team. I was prepared for this verdict.  

Do you see the smile on this murderer's face? Do you see the utter glee on his face? This is the body of a soulless, Godless murderer. Yes, he was found not guilty criminally. But, morally, this is the face of a cold blooded killer. He took the life of a 17 year old kid. He said that he does not regret taking Martin's life. He is guilty of that. No verdict could change that fact. He has to live with that. The all woman jury let a murderer walk. They did not do their job. This is sickening. I feel so deeply for the Martin family. Their son did not get the justice he was due tonight. I hope that they sue the Zimmerman family for all everything they have. No amount of money will bring Trayvon back. But, no murderer should be able to profit from his crime and Martin's death.

Moments like this really put things into perspective for you. I've been stressed over my heart and my emotional health and Sybrina and Tracy lost their child and didn't get justice. I feel incredibly shallow at this moment. Good job, Florida. The defense team put Martin on trial and convicted the victim. It is a gross misjudgement by West and O'Mara. The kind of karma that will come from this will have to be huge. If you are the parents/aunts/uncles/friends/Godparents of little Black children, hold them tight. America doesn't value Black people. Black President or not, this is not a post-racial land. This was proven tonight.  I'm just really sad. This makes me so sad for us as a people. We have so far to go. Jesus, help us. Rest in peace, Trayvon. We all know who killed you and why. I hope that Zimmerman never has another moment of peace. Killers do not deserve it. This night calls for dark liquor. I just can't. There is a petition by the NAACP to urge the Department of Justice to open a civil rights case against Trayvon's killer. If you agree, sign it. We can still fight the fight to the finish. For Trayvon. For Sean Bell. For Oscar Grant. For Jordan Davis. For the nameless, faceless ones who die each year to gun violence all over the world. For truth, For peace. Do something. 

   

This Week Has Been Too Much.

It began with the George Zimmerman murder trial. For those living under a rock, he is obtrial for killing an unarmed 17 year old Trayvon Martin. It began with, of all things, a knock knock joke. Seriously. I’m sorry America but is a black child being murdered funny? It’s not. And no one laughed at that bullshit. The trial has been on one all week. I try not to say I hate people but Zimmerman & his defense team have made my list this week.

As has the Supreme Court. Knocking down part of the Voting Rights Act one day and standing up for DOMA the next. It’s like one step forward and ten steps back. I’m sorry but racism is still alive and thriving in these United States. I’ve literally been pissed all week.

Then, the great state of Texas decided to show its natural ass. Sen. Wendy Davis had to stand on her feet for almost 13 hours to stop a bill that would close all but 2 abortion clinics in the state. The other male senators were rude & talked over her. Then they tried to lie to pass the bill. Once it was recorded that the bill couldn’t pass, Rick Perry has called for a second vote. I really wish folks without reproductive organs would stop trying to legislate it. Just sit down and shut up.

I’m a politics buff. I love it. But, this week has knocked a lot of that love out of me. I’m really just disgusted with almost everything this week has been. It’s been too much. It’s been one of those wide eye weeks. We have pay attention and get involved. Especially women and minorities. If not, the old days will make a swift return. Just get into the people governing your state.

Oh, and to top it off, my favorite NBA team just broke down the squad. The coach, Doc Rivers, is now coaching the Clippers. And, my favorite player Kevin Garnett as well as Paul Pierce have been traded to the Nets. I'm sick. Ugh.

Go home, this week. You're drunk!!

Rant: George Zimmerman, Get Your Mom

It is my opinion that Geogre Zimmerman is a MURDERER. He is NOT the victim. He does not need to be saved. He does need to pay for what he did. I have been writing about the murder of Trayvon Martin for over a year now. This story has pissed me off from the beginning. Because Martin clearly was killed because he was a young Black male wearing a hoodie. That scares me because I have 2 brothers, 4 nephews that I love dearly. I know and love too many Black men to be quiet about this. Not only is George Zimmerman a racist murderer, he is also a liar which led to his bail being revoked last summer.  His family has been popping up in the news as well lately. Last month, his brother Robert posted some ridiculous tweets on Twitter. I'm sorry but when your brother kills an unarmed teenager, your opinion on the matter is null and void. I understand standing behind family. But, wrong is wrong and murder will always be murder. I cannot believe these people. 

And, now comes his mom with her two cents. And, let me tell you that's all her words are worth. His Mom, Gladys, has penned this letter on the "anniversary" of the day he was arrested. It's been over a year since Zimmerman killed Martin. I had to comment on this idiotic letter. I posted "Mrs. Zimmerman, your son is a MURDERER! IT is not a travesty that he was arrested and awaiting trial, it is justice. You do the crime, you do the time. While you are lamenting the incarceration of your son, Ms. Fulton is still grieving for hers. I realize now that this whole family is delusional. I cannot wait until 6/10 for this trial to start. I hope and pray that your son gets exactly what he deserves, which in my eye is life in jail. An eye for an eye." I've kept myself updated on this impending trial because I want to see justice served. This entire family are beyond words. I am done. Bring on the trial and justice for Trayvon! 

Rant: George Zimmerman, Get Your Brother

 

The above picture was posted on Twitter by George Zimmerman's brother. The picture on the right is the young man who killed a baby in a stroller while trying to rob the mother over the weekend. The picture on the left is Trayvon Martin, the kid who was killed by Zimmerman more than a year ago. Both are 17 year old Black kids. That is the only comparison I can make from a picture. It seems the Zimmerman family is intent on being douches for all eternity. Martin is no longer breathing because Zimmerman decided that he shouldn't be. Zimmerman is a murderer no matter how theis case is spun. He stalked a kid, he racially profiled a kid, he fought a kid, and he used his gun to kill a kid. Those are the only facts I need to know. The trial begins in June. Zimmerman deserves no less than life in prison for taking a life. He deserves to pay for his actions. He killed Trayvon. Point blank.

 

I cannot take anyone in the Zimmerman family seriously. People need to realize that just because someone is family is not a reason to stand behind their wrong actions. If you kill someone in cold blood, mother/brother/sister/child/spouse, I will not be leading the cavalry to your defense. Because you are guilty. You have to pay for your sins. This case has disgusted me for over a year. I simply cannot! Zimmerman's brother is not helping his brother's case. He is furthering the racist claims. He basically says that all young Black men are murderers and criminals. That is a horrible stereotype and racist. I need this guy to go far away. And, GZ to go to jail for decades. OR until he dies. Either works for me. And, I'm sure The Fulton/Martin family feels the same.

Trayvon Martin Case Update

The attorneys for George Zimmerman have done something very weird. They have waived their rights to the :Stand Your Ground" trial that was set for next month. This is weird because a favorable ruling in that case would have thrown out the possibility of the murder trial in June. The SYG trial would have been decided by the sitting judge. There would have been no jury. As someone who has always been interested in and a follower of the law, I am very perplexed by this latest move. It seems out of place. And, very risky honestly. Now, Zimmerman will be taking his chances with a jury trial in June. Without SYG to stand on, I wonder what his defense will be. I do not know of anything that he can claim in a case like this. Because if not for his racial profiling and relentless pursuit of 17 year old Trayvon Martin, there would be no murder nor no trial. 

Martin's 18th birthday was last month. It's been a little over a year since he was murdered. It is still unbelievable to me. Well, not really because Black men are systematically killed by other Black men as well as other people. Black men are hunted, racially profiled and incarcerated art a higher rate than others. This is a reality in America. It makes me sad for my nephews/brothers/cousins/friends. It also pisses me off that this is the world we live in. Trayvon Martin was not given a chance that fateful February night. Zimmerman is guilty. I do not care to hear what his lawyers have to say. The evidence is clear. He killed a child for no other reason than he was a Black man. That is not a reason for a life to be taken. If Zimmerman is not found guilty, I will truly have lost faith in our judicial system. This is an open and shut case. I just wanted to give everyone an update. 

Trayvon Martin, A Year After His Murder

There is a name I'm sure none of us will ever forget. That name is Trayvon Martin. It's been a year since he was murdered in cold blood by George Zimmerman. A year since Sybrina Fulton & Tracy Martin lost their barely 17 year old son. A year since Jahvaris Fulton lost his brother. Trayvon missed his 18th birthday, his high school graduation, Thanksgiving and Christmas. And for what? There is no reason that he isn't here. Other than the fact a trigger happy, racist, wannabe cop decided that his life wasn't worth anything. There have been marches for justice and photos of people in hoodies to show support. I have been keeping up with this story because I'm concerned.

I'm still pissed about the way this case was fumbled in the beginning. Zimmerman was a free man for far too long. The "Stand Your Ground" trial is set for April. If the SYG law is upheld, Zimmerman will walk away. The trial for second degree murder is set for June. This murder matters to me for so many reasons. I lost my Father, my favorite Uncle and cousin Larry to gun violence. It took years to get justice for 2 of the 3 of them. My Father's murderer is still free.



Death is hard to handle. Murder is a whole other monster. Murder snatches life away. Usually for no reason and with no warning. Murder fractures families. Unsolved murders leave a pain behind that nothing can console. I know because I've lived it. The Fulton's and the Martin's are living through it. One year later, we still remember Trayvon. I'm still praying for justice. We'll never forget him.

Revoked!

In a twist that couldn't have come any sooner, George Zimmerman's bail has been revoked. George Zimmerman is headed to his rightful place: jail. On Friday, June 1st, the judge revoked his jail for lying. The judge concluded hat Zimmerman and his wife willfully misled the court about their finances. Both said on record that they were flat broke. This was a blatant lie as Zimmerman had collected over $200,000 in donations from a website he set up. The District Attorney was livid about this lie as was the judge.

The Zimmerman's may be one of the dumbest couples. The reason they got caught was due to their recorded jail telephone conversations. It doesn't take a genius to know that all conversations involving inmates are monitored. The wife hasn't been charged with contempt or perjury yet. But, I suspect that those charges are forthcoming. No judge or lawyer likes to be made a fool of. That's exactly what the Zimmerman's have done. Strange behavior for a man who's supposedly innocent, right?

To me, this whole ordeal brings into question Zimmerman's credibility. He lied about money to avoid jail. What's to stop him from doing the same in his trial? It's clear the man feels no remorse for killing an unarmed teen. A man scared of jail just might spin a tale to keep himself free. This is a blow to the defense team. And a great win for the prosecution. It gives me a little hope that justice may ultimately be served. Trayvon Martin's family may actually get their closure. This case may not even make it to trial this year. But, no matter what, I will be watching and praying for the right verdict.

"The fact George Zimmerman was dishonest is very important because his credibility is the most important thing in this entire case," Benjamin Crump, the Martin family lawyer, said Friday.

Trayvon Martin Update

It happened on February 26, 2012. Today is April 11, 2012. It has been 6 weeks have passed since Trayvon's murder. Still no arrest, still no justice. Race relations are simmering right at the surface behind this. Many are beyond upset about the utter mishandling of this case. I've already blogged about my outrage of the Trayvon Martin case here. That's not what this blog is about. I felt the need to update people on what has or rather hasn't happened since then.

Angela Corey is the special prosecutor that has been assigned to this case. This week,she has decided to forgo a grand jury indictment. What this means is that the power to charge or not charge Zimmerman lays solely in her hands. This can be a good or a bad thing depending on how Corey feels about the case. This move is a bold and unexpected one. I want to hold out faith that she will do the right thing and press charges. There was a murder committed and the guilty party, Zimmerman, needs to pay for his crimes.

George Zimmerman has decided to "Speak" on his own behalf via a website. It can be viewed here. On this website, Zimmerman is doing two things: asking for sympathy and donations for his defense. Are you serious George?? I call bs on this website and its meassage. Where was the sympathy for Trayvon? No amount of donations can bring him back to his family. I am disgusted by this blatant attempt by Zimmerman to paint himself as the victim when he took a life. Sorry sir, but the victim card cannot be played here. Not by you. And, I feel some kind of way about him begging for money. I will also feel nothing for anyone who donates to this bogus fund. What is wrong with people? How is this behavior even ok?

Yes, Zimmerman has been crucified in the press. But, that is of his own doing. If he had not decided to take the law into his own hands, none of us would ever have known his name. He killed Trayvon in cold blood. I have no sympathy for weak little men who carry guns to make themselves feel bigger, more important. Yes, I also know my personal experiences with men in my familly have been murdered. But, the reality is right is right and wrong is wrong. Zimmerman was dead wrong. He killed a child. He deserves nothing less than jail.

The final piece of this weird puzzle is that Zimmerman's attorneys have now resigned. They claim they have lost all contact with their client. How is it even possible that a murderer is roaming free without anyone keeping tabs on him? Yes, I know that here people are innocent until proving guilty in the court of law. They have to go through that process first though. Since Zimmerman has yet to be arrested, people have decided his guilt for themselves. This is what a miscarriage of justice looks like. It's not pretty nor is it right.

So, what now? How much longer will Tracy and Sybrina (Trayvon's parents) have to wait to get justice for their son? It's been 6 weeks too long for them. Six weeks too long for all of us who have been following this sad case. The more I think of it, the more pissed I get. As much as I love the law, I know that it is beyond flawed. Lady Justice is clearly not blind. She sees exactly what she wants to see. All I want is justice for Trayvon Martin. He deserves it, his parents deserve it. Until this happens, I cannot allow myself to write about it anymore without getting so upset. Arrest George Zimmerman now. Give us justice for Trayvon.

"Come Shoot Me Clothes" Really?

Geraldo Rivera stated yesterday that "His hoodie killed Trayvon Martin as surely as George Zimmerman." As well as "Its not blaming the victim Its common sense-look like a gangsta &some armed schmuck will take you at your word."

A hoodie killed Trayvon? Is that right? Blaming the victims clothing is just about the most ignorant thing I've heard about this case. So Trayvon's clothing and not the overzealous idiot with a gun killed him? I cannot wrap my mind around people who fail to see reality for what it is. There is no grey area in this case. It is cut and dry, black and white. I'm sure that Trayvon could've been wearing any article of clothing and his killer Zimmerman would have found issue with it.

We are talking about a man who repeatedly called 911 to report any and every young Black man as suspicious. He even called the police on a 7 year old Black kid. The man had an issue with young Black men. That makes him a racist. Killing an unarmed Trayvon makes him a murderer. I don't know anyone who doesn't wear hoodies. They are warm and practical. Who doesn't own one or four? In the words of journalist Charles M. Blow, "there are no come shoot me clothes."

Furthermore, Black people have feared white people in hoods for decades. That doesn't give us the right to kill them. A hoodie did not nor could not kill Trayvon Martin. There is only one person responsible for that: George Zimmerman. Just as an Arizona tea and a bag of Skittles aren't a weapon or cause for suspicion. Murderers belong in jail. You can't arrest a hoodie. That is the reality. Trayvon was suspicious for one reason only: he was Black in a community that wasn't. That was his only crime, which isn't even one. I'm still upset about this. Excuse me while I pull my hoodie on.

Justice for Trayvon Martin

I really didn't want to write about this story because it angers me. But, since there hasn't even been an arrest, I have to blog something. On February 26th, a 17 year old Black child left the house during the All Star Halftime to the his brother some skittles from the store. Trayvon never made it back home. He was shot once and died in the street. His murderer is 26 year old George Zimmerman. Almost 3 weeks later, Zimmerman has yet to be arrested. Why? No one knows. The facts in this case are clear cut. An unarmed kid was watched, followed and eventually shot and killed by a grown man with a racial grudge. Point blank.

Zimmerman was the head of the Neighborhood Watch. He saw Martin walking through the gated community & called the police. He had no reason to because walking while Black isn't against the law. The dispatcher told Zimmerman to stand down & a patrol car would be on the way. That wasn't good enough. He told the dispatcher that "they always get away with stuff." That tells me that Zimmerman had an agenda & he wasn't goig to let "them" get away with anything else. This man followed the kid in his car and he was armed with a gun. He then proceeded to get out of his car & confront Martin. Apparently, a fight ensued. Zimmerman is 9 years older & approximately 100 pounds heavier than Martin.

Zimmerman shot and killed Martin in cold blood. This young Black man did not have a weapon on him. As a matter of fact, all he had in his possession was $22, a bag of skittles & a Arizona iced tea. He claims self-defense. Really? How in the hell? It's bad enough that a young man is dead, killed for no reason. But, that family is being denied justice. Their son's killer is still free. And, no one can tell us why. This all happened in Florida. I'm so damn upset about this. It's 2012 & young Black men are being strategically hunted. How is this ok? Why aren't more people not outraged? This is completely bs in my book. Wrong is wrong.

Trayvon Martin was murdered in cold blood by a racist idiot with a gun. This shouldn't happen. At all. I need answers. His family deserves justice. I hate to feel that if the murdered boy was white and his killer was Black that the outrage would be overwhelming. I do know that if the situation was different, the Black killer would have been in jail already. This is a sad case. Trayvon should not be dead. Zimmerman should not still be free. If you haven't heard about this story, please Google the names. It's a sick & disgusting case.