Upon hearing the news, I recalled my teen and early adult years, where making it to adulthood was considered an accomplishment among my peers
[Op-Ed]
Today, we will rally for Trayvon Martin, another of our sons gone far too soon.
NAACP Chairman Roslyn Brock, Florida NAACP State Conference President Adora Obi Nweze, Seminole County NAACP President Turner Clayton, and I will be speaking shortly at a rally in Sanford, Florida. Together we will honor Trayvon and our children by continuing our unrelenting demand for the arrest of Trayvon’s killer, George Zimmerman.
You can join us in honoring Trayvon memory by sharing your message for him today
As a son, father, and uncle, the loss of another young Black boy in an avoidable, violent confrontation hits close to home. Upon hearing the news, I recalled my teen and early adult years, where making it to adulthood was considered an accomplishment among my peers. I understand the fear that lies in the hearts of millions of parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles—the fear that this could happen to their loved one.
Trayvon’s death has challenged us to discuss with our children the realities of growing up Black in America. Whether a chat at the dinner table, a classroom discussion, or a community town hall, we have reflected on the Trayvon Martin case, and what his death means for our children.
That’s why we’re asking you to share a message for Trayvon—or the Trayvon in your life. If you have any thoughts or prayers for Trayvon, or words of wisdom for our children, add them on this page.
Next week, we’ll be sharing the messages of all our supporters to keep spreading the word about Trayvon’s life, and to mourn his death, which came far too soon.
Benjamin Todd Jealous is the President of the NAACP
