'Justice For Trayvon' Rally Shuts Down Major Newark Intersection
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Two overlapping rallies protesting the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the death of Trayvon Martin have shut down one of Newark's busiest intersections.
Hundreds of people gathered at Broad and Market streets on Monday afternoon, with many carrying signs reading, "Justice for Trayvon Martin.''
A group also marched in a circle, chanting Martin's name and the phrase "Zimmerman in jail.''
Ellen Jackson came from neighboring Irvington for the event and said civil rights are being turned back, and that she's tired of black men being "shot down for no reason.''
The rallies were organized by the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition and the People's Organization for Progress.
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A protest was also under way in Hunts Point Plaza in the Bronx Monday evening.
The demonstrations follow similar peaceful protests held in New York City and other major cities on Sunday in reaction to the not guilty verdict handed down in Zimmerman's second-degree murder trial.
The case has sparked racial tensions since the 17-year-old Martin was fatally shot by Zimmerman in Sanford, Florida last February.
Many taking part in the protests have called for the Justice Department to launch a probe into the case to determine whether Martin's civil rights were violated.
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