Legal Discussion on the Zimmerman Trial Verdict

Posted on July 26, 2013 by OrlandoCommunityNews
nataliejacksonatfamuevent

“Why have a law, if it’s so confusing…to police and jurors?” I think it [Florida’s Stand Your Ground law] should be repealed.” – Attorney Natalie Jackson, expressing her personal opinion during The Verdict: A Legal Conversation event on Wednesday, July 24, at the Florida A&M University College of Law in downtown Orlando. Jackson was one of six panelists who spoke on issues in the aftermath of the verdict in the State of Florida vs. George Zimmerman murder trial / Trayvon Martin Case. A six-member jury consisting of all women decided on July 13 that Zimmerman was not guilty of the charges of second-degree murder nor manslaughter, saying that he acted in self defense when he shot and killed the teenager after Zimmerman followed him. Zimmerman told police that the teenager looked suspicious walking through a gated Sanford community. The other very vocal and opinionated panelists at the event were: Patricia Broussard, Associate Professor at the law school, Chris Smith; Florida Senate Minority Leader, Geraldine Thompson, Florida Senator; Camara Williams, Attorney and David Simmons, Florida Senator; who as a state representative, authored the Stand Your Ground law in 2005. He currently represents Seminole and parts of Volusia counties as a state senator. (Including Sanford, where the shooting took place) Hundreds of people, including some teenage African American males and current law students, attended the event. Key points from the event: SYG is a part of the state’s broader self defense laws. Most of the panelists said that the law could be modified or repealed altogether. Still, Simmons said, “It’s a very, very good law” but he said is open to working with other leaders such as Smith in the upcoming legislative session to work on tweeking the law. (In fact, they both authored bills last year to make changes to the 2005 Stand Your Ground law but those bills were not heard in the legislature.) Simmons drew jeers from the audience when he described the law. One panelist liken the comment to a newborn baby. Basically, people don’t want to say a baby is ugly, when indeed the baby is indeed is ugly. “This is not a good law,” said Broussard, who started the conversation with the importance of voter’s rights and people voting for the right representatives statewide and nationwide and then holding those people accountable. Also, the panelists suggested some next steps and answered questions from the audience, including one from a 14-year-old male who wanted to know how can we prevent people from taking advantage of the SYG and self defense laws. The event, sponsored by Alphas for Justice, was moderated by WESH Channel 2 Anchor Stewart Moore. – Orlando Community News, 2013

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Trayvon Martin Case: Not Guilty Verdict Sparks Open Dialogue, Rallies

Posted on July 17, 2013 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Pine Hills, FL (July 17, 2013) — Are you still feeling some kind of way about the Not Guilty Verdict in the Trayvon Martin Case – State of Florida vs. George Zimmerman trial?

If you have watched any news reports since the verdict on late Saturday night, you know you are not alone in feeling angry, sad, disappointed about the verdict.

You may be wondering what you can do to affect change in our judicial system and in the minds of people. (A jury of six women acquitted Zimmerman, former armed neighborhood watch volunteer, of all charges in the shooting death of unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in February 2012 in Sanford, FL)

People are rallying together in major cities, praying together as a community, signing national online petitions to the U.S. Department of Justice for civil right charges against Zimmerman and posting their feelings on every other social media outlet.

In Central Florida, many events/rallies are planned over the next few weeks so you can get out and get involved and be a part of something positive and make a difference.

Here’s a list of some of those Central Florida events:

  • A rally and march today, Wednesday, July 17, at Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando. Time: 6 p.m. Details: Meet at the park and march to the Orange County Courthouse. March against Gun Violence.
  • The National Action Network, Central Florida chapter, plan a Community Forum “After the Verdict: The Next Step.” Thursday, July 18 at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Eatonville. Time: 7 p.m. Details: The main purpose of the community forum is talk about the trial and other issues affecting  African Americans, other racial and communities of color.
  •  Rev. Al Sharpton recently announced national plans for vigils and rallies in 100 cities this weekend to press for federal civil rights  charges against George Zimmerman. Saturday, July 20. Time: Noon. Details: Justice for Trayvon National Day of Action. Activities to take place in front of federal court buildings in cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and New York.  Locally: In Orlando – Federal Court Building, 80 N. Hughey Avenue, Downtown Orlando. Immediately afterward, there will be an Open Forum at Mt. Zion M.B. International Church, 535 W. Washington Street. In Daytona Beach – 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, at the corner of South Beach Street and Orange Avenue between Jackie Robinson Ballpark and Daytona Beach City Hall.
  • “The Verdict: A Legal Conversation” Panel Discussion and Conversation. Wednesday, July 24. Time: 7:06 p.m. Details: The event, sponsored by the Alpha Phi Alpha – Delta Xi Lambda chapter, will be held at the Florida A&M College of Law, 201 Beggs Ave., Orlando, FL 32801. Panel speakers to include Florida Senator Geraldine Thompson and Attorney Natalie Jackson.

Information gathered from online news sources and community events

© Orlando Community News, 2013
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What is This Case All About Anyway?

Posted on July 12, 2013 by OrlandoCommunityNews
Trayvon Martin

Trayvon Martin

Trayvon Benjamin Martin

Trayvon Martin

Opinion

Spread the word again: The State of Florida’s murder case against George Zimmerman is and has always been about Trayvon Martin, an unarmed 17-year-old boy shot and killed walking home from the store – at the hands of Zimmerman, an armed neighborhood watch volunteer who says he shot the teenager in self defense…after following him. Most likely, Martin was defending himself too, from a complete stranger who was following him. No one else was there. One thing is for sure: Trayvon Martin had the right to be there.

In Sanford, FL.

On February 26, 2012.

Walking home from a convenience store, with a bag of Skittles candy and an Arizona brand drink.

Let’s not lose sight of this.

© Orlando Community News, 2013
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Do You Think There Will be Riots if There is an Acquittal?

Posted on July 11, 2013 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Opinion

I knew the question or some version of the question was coming: “Do you think there will be riots if there is an acquittal?” I wanted to ask, “Do you think there will be riots if there is NOT an acquittal?” But I stuck to the original question.

Here’s my answer: No, not at all, especially not in Sanford. There have been nothing but peaceful rallies in Sanford, walks throughout the state of Florida and even the country, mainly calling for the arrest and charges against George Zimmerman. That happened. Now people are hoping and praying for fairness in this trial and justice in the outcome.

No one’s going to riot, tear up their stuff, harm anyone else – unless they want to go to jail or get themselves harmed or killed. People are not scared, though.

Still, I think folk will come together as neighbors to get certain laws changed or repealed and to make sure ALL children are protected and provided for.

Let me just say this: It’s not just the responsibility of the African-American community (people) to take care of their own just like it’s not just the responsibility of the White or Hispanic community (people) to take care of their own. We are responsible for our neighbors, for each other, as members of one race – the human race.

Anyway, the rallying in Sanford was never about a Black or White thing…It was and will always be about the RIGHT THING. Unfortunately, some people in our political and judicial system have let their position dictate how they respond to this case to protect their position / power, not to get to the truth and what’s right (justice).

manwithsignatrallyinsanfordBefore getting angry and doing something we may regret later, we have to stop and think.

Let me clear some things up.

First, there’s a big difference between riots and protests. Riots are uprisings or disturbances. Rallies and protests are synonymous. They are demonstrations or marches.

Second, people typically rally for a purpose, just like the early rallies in Sanford which resulted in Florida Gov. Rick Scott appointing a special prosecutor to The Trayvon Martin Case and eventually that special prosecutor charging Zimmerman with second degree murder.

Third, no one knows for sure how this case will turn out. No matter the verdict in this case, we ALL have to live with it and do our part to make our communities better.

Do something good in honor of Trayvon Martin and his family – something to save our children one by one, whether by tutoring them in reading, mentoring those who may not have a father figure at home and/or donating time and money to youth programs especially those available for the summer.

© Orlando Community News, 2013
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Top Ten Questions to Ask GZ if He Takes the Stand

Posted on June 30, 2013 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Opinion

After the first week of testimony in The Trayvon Martin Case, some people think George Zimmerman may have to take the witness stand to clear up the stark differences between his story and the recollection of people who have told their story under oath on the witness stand.

Speaking of “stand,” I have said and still say that you can not claim you are “standing your ground” by following someone and confronting them. In this case, the defendant, Zimmerman, pursued the victim, Martin and the pursuit was heard on a recorded telephone call to the Sanford Police Department on February 26, 2012.

So however unlikely, Zimmerman can get on the stand and tell the world why he profiled and pursued this teenager and felt the need to kill him. For real. The truth will make you free!

Top 10 Questions a Trial Observer Would Ask GZ if he took the stand.

(Editor’s Note: Compiled from posts and tweets I’ve seen lately and some conversations I have had since this story broke last year.)

10. What was Trayvon Martin doing when you first saw him? That was from your truck, right?

9. What did you say to him when you first approached him?

8. Wasn’t there an opportunity to tell him who you were and ask him if he needed help verses thinking he was up to no good and asking him what he was doing in the neighborhood?

7. Can you describe what a suspicious person looks like for the jury?

6. Does it seem strange to you that someone would wear a hoodie or something to cover their head in the rain on a February day? Why/Why not?

5. Did you ever stop and think whether his young “Black male” was one of your neighbors? Why/Why not?

4. How did Trayvon’s body get face down with his hands underneath him, in the wet grass when police arrived on the scene?

3. Do you carry your gun with you everywhere…did you take it out of the truck when you got out and followed Trayvon Martin?

2. If you knew you had your gun, why would you feel the need to scream and cry for help as the cries heard the 9-1-1 recordings or didn’t you mean you asked for help from a neighbor after you had shot Trayvon Martin?

1. Didn’t you follow and pursue Trayvon Martin, a complete stranger at the time to you, because you thought he was a suspect, a thug, a criminal?

© Orlando Community News, 2013
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The Trayvon Martin Case – “Keeping it 100”

Posted on June 27, 2013 by OrlandoCommunityNews

State of Florida vs. George Zimmerman: State Builds its Case with Key Witnesses

trayvonmartinfromparentspetitionwebsiteJune 27, 2013 – The State of Florida called several key witnesses today in its second degree murder case against George Zimmerman, painting the defendant as the aggressor and casting doubt on his statements that he shot Trayvon Martin in self defense.

By most accounts, Rachel Jeantel, Trayvon Martin’s friend who talked on the phone with him minutes before he was killed, is the state’s most important witness.

She has spent the most time on the witness stand, being interrogated by Defense Attorney Don West, (two days for close to 6 hours).  West tried to poke holes into Jeantel’s testimony about what she heard on the telephone calls and what information she provided to Martin’s family, police investigators and attorneys. Toward the end of her time with West, he challenged her previous testimony in court. She immediately denied several things he said she said and then he moved on.

State prosecutors supported Jeantel more today than yesterday, legal experts said, by objecting more to repeated questions from West.  Attorneys for Trayvon’s family have said the family is proud of Jeantel, as they knew she did not want to be there.

JeantelinTrayvonMartincase2“They reacted to Rachel’s testimony just like the reacted to all of the other witnesses… They are performing their civic duty,” said Attorney Natalie Jackson during the DrDrewLive TV show on HLN. “Trials are about getting the truth out so however it comes out, that is the way it is.

“They think she did well.  Her story was consistent,” said Jackson, one of the attorneys representing Martin’s family.

After the TV host pressed Jackson on the state’s star witness inconsistencies in the past, Jackson said, “She admitted to lying during an investigation. She did not lie in the deposition and she did not lie during the trial…There was wording that was not consistent – that’s important. But the main thing is, she said that George Zimmerman started the confrontation.”

While a smiling Jeantel moved quickly from her seat when state prosecutors said they had no further questions, she was told by the judge that she was still under the subpoena as a witness and she may be called back to court. That request came from the defense.

Jeantel was one of four witnesses prosecutors called Thursday.

Two other witnesses also gave eye-opening testimony.

Selma Mora, a neighbor who said she heard some noise behind her home and looked out her kitchen window and saw two people. She said the person on the top (on knees straddling the other person) had on a jacket with the same colors (red and black) that Zimmerman was wearing on the night of the shooting. She went to her back door and asked what was going on (three times). There was no response until after the third time. She said the man on top (now known as Zimmerman) told her to “call the police.”

Another neighbor, the woman who called 9-1-1 and whose call captured screams for help and the gunshot, also testified.

According to reports, Jennifer Lauer told jurors that she saw nothing but heard talking, then scuffling and wrestling “like two people rolling around…It turned into grunting then it gradually turned into yelping.”

One thing is for sure: after the sound of a gunshot, the cries stopped immediately.

George Zimmerman, 29, is on trial for the Feb. 26, 2012 shooting death of Martin, an unarmed 17-year-old in the Retreat at Twin Lakes community in Sanford, just north of Orlando.

Martin, from Miami Gardens, was walking back to a family friend’s home where he was staying in the neighborhood.

Zimmerman is facing second-degree murder charges and could face life imprisonment if convicted. He has stated that he shot Martin in self defense.

© Orlando Community News, 2013
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The Trayvon Martin Case: Perspectives Close to Home

Posted on June 25, 2013 by OrlandoCommunityNews

trayvonmartinfromparentspetitionwebsiteJune 24, 2013 — This is hard for me to get into. The main reason: this website is here to share with the world the great things happening in the Pine Hills, FL community, despite the nickname given to it years ago because of the perceived level of crime. Orlando Community News is here to help Pine Hills continue to rise. Yet, when major stories, high-profile trials, take place in a nearby community, I feel obligated to talk about them and share different viewpoints, hoping something good comes out of it.

After nearly a year and a half the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed teenager in Sanford, the trial of George Zimmerman, the 29-year-old neighborhood watch volunteer who shot and killed him, got started last week.  Sanford is just north of Orlando, in Seminole County. It is the town where I grew up. People think I am related to the teenager because we share the same last name and this killing happened in Sanford. The murder trial, State of Florida vs. George Zimmerman, has gained just as much attention nationally as the Casey Anthony murder trial in Orlando last year, although they are two very different cases.

In the Seminole County trial, there is a racial overtone because the Sanford Police Department did not immediately charge Zimmerman with any crime in the shooting of Martin, who had just turned 17 years old earlier in the same month (February 2012).

A special state prosecutor (appointed by Florida Governor Rick Scott) investigated the case and charged Zimmerman with second degree murder about three months after the shooting. State prosecutors say Zimmerman profiled the teenager, followed him and then shot him, Martin, a complete stranger who was walking from a convenience store through a neighborhood. Zimmerman’s defense attorneys say he was acting in self-defense when he shot the teenager who he thought looked suspicious because he was walking through the neighborhood that night in the rain, wearing a gray hoodie.

I will occasionally use comments from two attorneys from Sanford who are either connected to the case or following it. They are: Natalie Jackson, who is one of imagesthe attorneys representing Trayvon’s parents and Vera June, who is a trial attorney with offices in Altamonte Springs, FL and Atlanta, GA. Like me, they grew up in Sanford, and can offer a unique verajuneperspective on this trial.

Although based on what I have previously heard and read before the trial, I believe Zimmerman racially profiled Trayvon, I also agree with Jackson’s comments about the jury selection of six women (5 White women and 1 Hispanic woman). “This case has never been about Black vs. White as some would try to make it out to be,” Jackson recently wrote. “This case has always been about EQUAL JUSTICE.  Equal Justice is not a black or white thing but an AMERICAN thing.”

I agree. It’s about the RIGHT thing, what we call JUSTICE. That’s my prayer – for fairness during the trial and for justice to prevail.

June has posted on Twitter regular “Trial Insights” on this trial. Here is one to think about: “You have just seen two very different styles for opening statements. Which do you think was more effective. State or defense?”

Follow Attorney June on Twitter at @junelegal and Attorney Jackson at @NatJackEsq.

Trish Martin, Founder & Editor, Orlando Community News

© Orlando Community News, 2013
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Do You Know Our Next Pine Hills Hero?

Posted on June 15, 2013 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Earlier this year, Orlando Community News (OCN) selected its first “Pine Hills Heroes” for their commitment and unwavering contributions to the Pine Hills community: Bishop Kelvin L. Cobaris and Pastor Michael  Kimbrough. I recently presented the two with a certificate of appreciation and gift, at events attended by their family, friends and volunteers.

Trish Martin, Michael Kimbrough and his wife, Barbara Kimbrough

Trish Martin, Pastor Michael Kimbrough and his wife Barbara Kimbrough at Pine Hills Performing Arts Center’s recent retreat and planning meeting in Windermere. He is the Founder and Executive Director of the performing arts center.

OCN will continue to honor and highlight “heroes” and I need your help.

If you have noticed someone deserving of this honor – who has worked hard as a community volunteer/activist, in our coverage area in recent years, contact me.

I will need their name, organization and why you think they should be OCN’s next Pine Hills Hero. 

Email the information to: trish.martin@att.net. Our coverage area includes: Pine Hills, Orlo Vista, Metro West, Lockhart and Rosemont.

Thank you and God Bless You!

Trish Martin, Founder and Editor

© Orlando Community News, 2013
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“They Dance, We Dance” – Community-Wide Dance Recital at Edgewater High School

Posted on June 8, 2013 by OrlandoCommunityNews

God is expanding Katrina Webster Baker’s territory and on Saturday, June 8 at 3 p.m. she plans to take advantage of it.

That’s when Baker and her dance troops from Step One Dance Studio put on their 4th Annual Dance Recital, themed “They Dance, We Dance.”

While this is the fourth consecutive year of the recital, this is the first time her dancers will perform in a theater, on the “big stage” – in the newly built, state-of-the-art Edgewater High School Performing Arts Auditorium.

“The kids deserve to perform on stage,” said Baker, Owner and Artistic Director at the dance studio in Eatonville. “A lot of kids don’t have the experience of performing on a stage. It’s good for their leadership and confidence.”

In the first year of her recitals, Baker had it at her dance studio when it was located on Edgewater Drive and for the past two years, the recitals have been held at a nearby community center.

The dancers, from ages 3 to 18, have been practicing and preparing for this event since February. With Baker expecting over 400 guests, she believes it’s the largest dance recital in our community, within the African American community, in recent years.

Performances will include modern, hip hop and tap.

“Folk are going to be blown away,” Baker said.

Many of her students attend church with her at Macedonia in Eatonville but she said she is seeing more and more young people from the local community now.

So, not only is God expanding her territory, he has given her an awesome responsibility – to sow into the lives of young people, some of whom may come from families that may not able to afford the cost of her dance classes.

Participants who support this event will be a part of that process of imparting something positive into the lives of young people and waiting for the harvest – productive, successful adults with leadership skills and a ton of confidence.

The cost is $10 per person. Tickets will be sold at the door.

Edgewater High School is located at 3200 Edgewater Drive in Orlando.

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Orlando Community News online: Two Years and Counting

Posted on May 20, 2013 by OrlandoCommunityNews

God is truly amazing! He has given me this vision, allowed Orlando Community News (OCN) online to come alive and kept it up and running for two years, as of May 15!

Grateful is the best way I can describe how I feel.  I am grateful to God for all that he has

Trish Martin

Trish Martin

done, is going and will do with this medium. Also, I am grateful to each of you for supporting OCN, visiting the site, reading it and posting comments; as well as agreeing to interviews for articles and sharing feedback with me personally. Thank you!

The focus of OCN still is to provide the residents, business owners and visitors of Pine Hills, Florida and its surrounding communities, with good news and information. Yes, Pine Hills is on the rise and this publication exists to help the community reach higher heights.

Over the past year, we have established key relationships in the community and plan to do more of that…So, if you have a church, business and/or community organization of any sort, be ready to talk when I contact you!

In looking back, I have to give some special shout outs: To my family for always being there for me. To Willie Clark, a major supporter and partner of our “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” feature. To our very first Pine Hills Heroes: Bishop Kevin L. Cobaris of Impact Church and Pastor Michael Kimbrough of the Pine Hills Performing Arts Center…Your work in the community has inspired others to get involved. To the Board of Directors at Wayne Densch YMCA…I count it a privilege to be apart of the team.

I believe in the power of prayer so I am asking you to keep this publication in your prayers, for God’s wisdom, knowledge and understanding as we move to another level…in God’s way and in his timing.

Stay connected.

Blessings,

Trish Martin, Founder and Editor

© Orlando Community News, 2013
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