COLORLINES - Trayvon Martin

Florida Task Force on ‘Stand Your Ground’ Gives the Controversial Law a Vote of Confidence

by Jamilah King on February 27 2013, 8:57AM

In the aftermath of the Trayvon Martin shooting, Florida Governor Rick Scott appointed a task force to examine the state’s ‘kill at will’ law. Their conclusion? It works just fine.

Topics: Criminal Justice, Trayvon Martin

After Trayvon: Acts of Kindness, Courage and Resistance

by Jorge Rivas on February 26 2013, 9:25AM

One year ago, unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin was shot to death by self-appointed neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman. A look at how people from all walks of life came together to support his family and call for justice.

Topics: Criminal Justice, Trayvon Martin

Why Didn’t Florida’s Stand-Your-Ground Ethics Apply to Marissa Alexander? [Reader Forum]

by Channing Kennedy on May 21 2012, 8:57AM

Readers discuss the race politics of Alexander’s 20-year sentence for firing a warning shot at her abusive ex-husband.

Topics: Criminal Justice, Trayvon Martin

Five Myths About Crime in Black America—and the Statistical Truths

by Hatty Lee, Shani O. Hilton on April 13 2012, 8:47AM

Trayvon Martin’s killing stirred many debates about crime surrounding black men. It also kicked up many familiar misconceptions, like the idea that black-on-black crime is uniquely bad. Hatty Lee’s infographic breaks down the realities.

Topics: Criminal Justice, Schools & Youth, Trayvon Martin

Does George Zimmerman’s Ethnicity Matter?

by Mónica Novoa on April 11 2012, 9:36AM

Zimmerman’s seemingly mixed identity has sparked a critical, if difficult dialogue about the entrenched nature of institutional racism. Monica Novoa talks to South L.A. organizer Alberto Retana about racism and racial justice among Latinos.

Topics: Trayvon Martin

Could I Be Both Trayvon Martin AND George Zimmerman?

by Sean Thomas-Breitfeld on April 11 2012, 9:18AM

Three questions we should all ask ourselves as the messy business of 21st century racial identity becomes a distraction in the public discussion of Trayvon Martin’s killing.

Topics: Trayvon Martin

‘The Talk’ With My White Daughter: Don’t Be Like John Derbyshire

by Sally Kohn on April 10 2012, 9:57AM

As the country mourns Trayvon Martin, a now-fired conservative pundit drew attention with a letter to his sons about fearing black men. Sally Kohn explains to her own daughter the perils of white privilege, and the pride of creating a true “beloved community.”

Topics: Criminal Justice, Trayvon Martin

This Is What Trayvon Solidarity Looks Like

by Hatty Lee on April 3 2012, 9:18AM

The tradition of visually memorializing black men killed in disturbing violence has taken on particular resonance in Trayvon Martin’s death. Hatty Lee rounds up images of solidarity.

Topics: Arts & Culture, Trayvon Martin

As Millions Fight for Trayvon Martin, Kill at Will Laws Flourish

by Julianne Hing on March 29 2012, 10:37AM

Zimmerman is invoking Florida’s “kill at will” laws. Can the criminal justice system, which has failed communities of color, deliver for Trayvon Martin’s family?

Topics: Trayvon Martin

Black Masculinity, Personal Loss and the Tragedy of Trayvon Martin

by Akiba Solomon on March 29 2012, 9:36AM

It is sad how this country continues to sweat black men. And in the past month, the one thing I can’t shake is a deep fear and dread for the black men in my own life.

Topics: Akiba Solomon, Trayvon Martin

Thousands of Young Black Men Die in Gun Crimes Every Year

by Hatty Lee on March 28 2012, 9:00AM

For all the talk of hoodies and school suspensions and who punched whom first, one thing stands above the rest in Trayvon Martin’s death: There was a gun involved, and that’s a terribly common feature in the deaths of young black men.

Topics: Criminal Justice, Schools & Youth, Trayvon Martin

You Got a Problem? Well, Now You Do

by Kai Wright on March 27 2012, 10:11AM

Trayvon Martin was just 17, and maybe he hadn’t yet put together his strategy for dealing with life as the object of America’s nightmares. So he improvised and got killed. But he had it coming; he was born black and male in the U.S.

Topics: Criminal Justice, Kai Wright, Trayvon Martin

‘My First Thought Was, Run!’ Share Your I Could Be Trayvon Story

by Dom Apollon on March 26 2012, 9:50AM

Trayvon Martin’s story triggered horrific memories for many black men in particular. Dom Apollon was moved to share his own frightening experience with being considered threatening, and created a Tumblr inviting others to do the same.

Topics: Criminal Justice, Trayvon Martin

What Does Real Justice For Trayvon Martin Look Like?

by Channing Kennedy on March 26 2012, 8:51AM

Colorlines.com readers come together to discuss the path forward from the tragic murder of Trayvon Martin, and the long history that brought us here.

Topics: Criminal Justice, Trayvon Martin

Trayvon Martin and the Deadly Legacy of Vigilantism

by Jamilah King on March 20 2012, 10:33AM

A historian’s new look at the legacy of lynching, and its enduring relevance today.

Topics: Criminal Justice, History, Trayvon Martin

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