Zimmerman Verdict Spurs Detroit Protest
DETROIT (WWJ) - Several groups rallied Sunday night at a downtown Detroit park to protest the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Florida.
The Coalition Against Police Brutality was one of the groups sponsoring the protest at Grand Circus Park. Several people spoke during the rally and a group marched to the Federal Building.
As Ron Scott with the Coalition Against Police Brutality listened to protestors chant, he said he still can't believe the verdict.
"Racism has not changed just because somebody says it's post-racial. It'll only be post-racial when we continue to talk about it and resolve it," said Scott.
And Scott plans to resolve the issue with a new call to action.
"We're going to ask federal civil rights charges be rendered against Mr. Zimmerman," he said.
Signs reading 'We Are All Trayvon' were held high as a Highland Park pastor looked on, smiling in awe.
"I think it speaks to how this case has really captured the nation," said Rev. David Bullock.
Bullock says the verdict was difficult to hear, but the rally was like a breath of fresh air for those in his Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church congregation, who are having a hard time coping with the news.
"Number one, this is a cathartic moment. I think people just really need to breath and just kind of exhale. I don't think anybody saw the not guilty verdict coming, so I'm pleased that this is a peaceful way to express our emotions and frustrations, but also our work on organizing," said Bullock.
