National Day of Protest for Trayvon Martin

July 20, 2013 A National Day of Action for Trayvon Martin: We gathered at the Federal Building in San Francisco as people united, determined and vowed to continue actions so Trayvon Martin, Kenneth Harding, Oscar Grant, Allen Bluford, and so many others will not be forgotten. Rev. Arnold Townsend reminded us that Florida is right here in our city, in our state. The racism that killed Trayvon stalks our streets. Every 28 hours in this country, a black person is killed by police or a self-designated cop like Zimmerman. Rev. Lennox Yearwood of the Washington, DC Hip Hop Caucus spoke to things we need to do. We must get rid of all the “stand your ground” laws from every state that has them; we must demand that the Dept. of Justice bring a case against Zimmerman; we must stay in the streets.
Dolores Piper wore a shirt with a picture of her nephew, Derrick Gaines, who was killed last June by a South San Francisco police officer in a gas station parking lot because Derrick and his friend were acting suspicious.

The words of youth who stepped up to speak brought tears to our eyes and hope to our hearts - Vincent, Isaiah and Stephen, and our youngest speaker, Kendall. Another youth spoke of his being beaten just two weeks ago by police, and he pointed out to all of us that for the children we must find justice. We all will remember and honor Trayvon by continuing to challenge this “unjustice” system.