An estimated 30,000 people from all races, backgrounds and status converged on Fort Mellon Park in downtown Sanford on March 22, to rally for justice for unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, shot and killed in February by George Zimmerman, an armed watch volunteer.

Based on news reports, this is a tragic story with no end. Zimmerman told Sanford police that he acted in self defense. They did not arrest him. Trayvon’s parents said that it is his voice yelling for help on the 9-1-1 tapes released just days before the national rally at the Sanford park. On the 9-1-1 tapes, Zimmerman said the teenager looked suspicious and as the conversation went on, an operator advised Zimmerman not to follow the teenager.

At the rally, people held up signs, sang together, listened closely to prayers lifted by local pastors, chanted sayings such as “No Justice, No Peace,” clapped and cried at inspiring messages from national leaders and they gave money for the cause. I couldn’t help but notice the large number of people who came to the rally with their children. One young man said he brought his teenage son because it was important. “It could have been him,” said the Orlando man. So true and so sad.

Still, a great rally for a worthy cause.

© Orlando Community News, 2012