Justice for Trayvon Martin Peace Rally



Photo by Em Allison Photography

On July 20^th more than 100 cities across the nation through the National Action Network, people rallied outside federal courthouses in hopes of provoking the Department of Justice to file civil rights charges against George Zimmerman one week after he was found not guilty in the death of Trayvon Martin.

 

United Council For Equality, a non-partisan social empowerment group, partnered with Teens with a Purpose to host a rally at the Walter E. Hoffman Federal Courthouse at 600 Granby Street in Norfolk, VA on Saturday, July 20th from noon to 1:30 p.m.  The event was be attended by various clergy, elected officials, and concerned citizens of the Hampton Roads community. More than 450 people attended from every race and color, clergy from various religions were represented, legislators from both sides of the aisle attended including Senator Kenneth Alexander, Senator Louise Lucas, Mayor Kenneth Wright of Portsmouth, Councilwoman Angela Williams of Norfolk, both the republican and Democratic Chairs, and more, and various television stations covered the story. Teens With a Purpose represented the youth voice and performed several spoken word  pieces and an acoustic original song.

 

Following the verdict of the George Zimmerman trial, the purpose of the Justice for Trayvon Martin Peace rally was to educate the public on their civil rights, voter education and civic engagement, and to empower youth to let their voices be heard. 

 

The Justice for Trayvon Martin Peace rally event was one of 100 rallies at federal buildings across the nation through the National Action Network, leading up to the March on Washington on August, 24, 2013 in Washington, D.C.  The march will continue the dream as we recognize the 50th Anniversary of the historic March on Washington where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech.

 

The mission of United Council For Equality is to unite and empower the community to stand up for equality of all people.

 

The mission of Teens With a Purpose – The Youth Movement is to empower young people to use their voices, their energy, and their talent to affect positive change.  The Executive Director of Teens With a Purpose addressed the crowd,

Photo by Em Allison Photography

"Good Afternoon, It is wonderful to stand with all of you today. I am the Director of Teens With a Purpose. Everyday of my life is dedicated to supporting youth, helping them to find their voice and encourageing them to use their power of that voice to effect positive change. On some levels, I am not a leader but a follower. I strive to follow young peoples visions and voices, helping them arrive safely and productively at their intended destination. And so along with youth members of our organization, I am here today to encourage youth to participate in rallies, vote, march, write songs and poems - do what you can to positively impact this community, country and globe. Today the world is listening, speak peace, speak justice, speak your truth."

Teens With a Purpose are teens creatively cultivating the next generation of leaders. Support the movement, make a donation or volunteer. TWPTheMovement.org