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On Tuesday there were protests in a number of U.S. cities, marking one year since the killing of Trayvon Martin, a 17 year-old African-American, in Sanford, Florida.

The Stop Mass Incarceration Network, which originally criticized the quick release of George Zimmerman after Martin’s death last year, issued a call to protest on the one year anniversary, stating: “Trayvon’s parents heroically stood up and called for justice for Trayvon, and in response people poured into the streets all across the country. This is the only reason Zimmerman was re-arrested and charged for his crime.” 

The Network urged people to gather, wearing hoodies as a show of solidarity and remembrance: “We refuse to accept the bulls-eye that has been placed on the backs of Black and Latino youth; we must mark the murder of Trayvon by wearing hoodies, by gathering in appropriate places and demonstrating our defiance and our determination to refuse to accept this mistreatment.”

Speaking at a vigil in New York City Tuesday night, Trayvon Martin’s parents said, “As parents of a slain child, we never move on.” Vigils and gatherings were held in many other cities, including Los Angeles, New Haven, Greensboro, Oakland, and Sanford, Florida, where the killing took place. 

Derrick O'Keefe

Derrick O'Keefe

Derrick O'Keefe is a writer in Vancouver, B.C. He served as rabble.ca's editor from 2012 to 2013 and from 2008 to 2009.