In every generation, there is a trial or event that, in part, defines how our young people see the world. For my generation, there were numerous legal decisions that made resonating statements about law enforcement, self-defense and race. For me, those decisions included the Malice Green case and the Rodney King case. For my children, Travyon Martin will serve as a martyr...
I'm not going to pretend that I'm not angry at the verdict...of course I am. I'm a mother to two African American boys, one has experienced racism before the age of 10 and a son who not only has to deal with racism, he also has to deal with those who are negatively ignorant of his cognitive and developmental issues that occur with Down Syndrome. Oh yes, racism and prejudice are an unfortunate, yet regular, part of our lives.
My heart was absolutely broken when my daughter cried after hearing the verdict. She exclaimed, "His life didn't mean anything!" She made me think about this from her perspective. Mr. Martin could have very well been one of her schoolmates, Facebook friends, Twitter followers, or Instagram buddies. This hit really close to home for her. She continued, "I'm Black! My life isn't doesn't mean anything! Michael Vick went to jail for hurting dogs!! Those dogs lives are worth more than mine!!!" After calming her down and explaining fundamental differences between both cases, she felt better and was able to sleep.
Going back 20 years, I remember walking through the MSU Union and watching news footage of the riots in South Central L.A. Years of frustration and racial bias boiled over into the streets after the police officers accused of beating Rodney King were acquitted. That tension was felt throughout the building, campus and the nation. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed this time around. Peaceful protests are taking place all over the country in the hopes that positive changes will take place.
I'm not going to go into the trial itself, because it is pointless to do so. Mr. Zimmerman was lawfully tried and acquitted of all charges by a jury of his peers. There is nothing we can do about it. One can only hope that Mr. Zimmerman gets right with God, for He has the final judgment...
This case can only serve as a vehicle for change. This is an opportunity for young people to make their voices heard. Whether you agree to the verdict or not, this is a chance for us to calmly and rationally dialogue about the future of the legal system in America. Let's not forget: While there were strong racial overtones within this case, it ultimately centered around the Florida law that allowed it to happen.
After all the analysis, commentary, and rhetoric, we need to remember...a child is dead. Pray for his mother and father, pray for Mr. Zimmerman's family as their lives will never be the same, pray for the jury members and all those who have been directly affected by this decision. At the end of the day, Trayvon Martin serves as a reminder that America has long way to go before we are truly the melting pot that our forefathers intended us to be.
