Social Media Users "Blackout" As Zimmerman Jury Deliberates
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - As the six women on the jury continue deliberating to decide the fate of George Zimmerman, the man charged with the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin, people have taken to social media by way of a "blackout" movement to express their opinions.
Supporters of Trayvon Martin, the Miami Gardens teen that was fatally shot after a confrontation with Zimmerman in February of 2012, are expressing themselves by way of a "blackout" of their profile picture. The hashtag blackout (#blackout) is a trending all over social media.
Celebrities like Rihanna, Gabrielle Union, Flo Rida, Sean Combs all have changed their profile pictures on Instagram, the popular photo-sharing app, to a black box in support of justice for Martin.
Trayvon Martin's mother, Sybrina Fulton, joined the movement via Twitter by changing her profile picture to a blackout--but with a faint photo of her deceased son.
One Twitter user wrote, "#JusticeForTrayvon" #blackout is not a race thing…this is jus to take a stand for what you believe is right."
Since the fatal confrontation between Zimmerman and Martin happened in Sanford over a year ago, social media has been a popular outlet for people looking to express their opinions.
As the case is wrapping up, and jurors deliberate between a manslaughter, second-degree or not guilty charge, officials hope that people will peacefully express their feelings about the case.
For those looking to go beyond social media t to voice their opinion, peaceful rallying is encouraged by officials and local leaders.
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