Hundreds Attend ‘Justice For Trayvon’ Rally In Center City

A rally was held outside of the federal courthouse in Center City Saturday afternoon to urge the Justice Department to file civil rights charges against George Zimmerman, who was acquitted of murder in the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.

Another rally to support Trayvon Martin was held in North Philadelphia at the Bright Hope Baptist Church on 12th street at the same time; two events with one message.

The event, part of the 100 city National Justice for Trayvon Day, drew a multiracial crowd of several hundred — including families — all gathered under a blazing sun to show solidarity, and call for an end of profiling.

“My two sons live in Lower Merion. It could’ve been them out there,” said Milton Thomas, who was there with and for his sons. “They live in a predominantly white neighborhood, and when they’re walking home, they can be profiled just like (Trayvon) was. So I just want to make sure nobody else goes through what that family just went through.”

“As an African American man, I am Trayvon. The only difference between me and him is the grace of God,” explained Tim Golden, saying it is important to get the message out because what happened to Trayvon Martin could happen again if laws are not changed and if certain social issues are not brought to light. “We haven’t addressed poverty, we haven’t addressed jobs, we haven’t addressed education, we haven’t addressed mass incarceration.”

Protestors held signs as they chanted and listened to speeches. Eventually, part of the crowd spilled into the street, blocking Market Street at 6th Street.

Pamelia Isham says racism in America is inescapable — and it needs to change.

“As a people, we need to come together and support each other, instead of being so negative, and view everybody in a negative way,” she said. “Just try to push with love and compassion first, before they go to the negativity.”

SCRIPTURES: 

Isa 30:1

¶

Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:

Isa 30:2

That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!

Isa 36:6

Lo, thou trustest in the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt; whereon if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so [is] Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust in him.

Zep 2:1

¶

Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired;

Rev 18:4

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.