By Erin Timony, Anais Bernard,
Oscar Perez, Trevor Seines and Dylan Rohn
San Diegans of all ages and backgrounds gathered at Balboa Park March 26 to honor Trayvon Martin. The unarmed Florida teen was shot and killed Feb. 26 by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer who said he acted in self defense. At the time of the San Diego march, Zimmerman had not yet been arrested.
The incident gained national attention when many watching the case said they believed Zimmerman fired because Martin was black. It spurred a month-long discussion in the media about hate crimes.
Youth in the Media Arts Center San Diego’s Teen Producers Project attended the local vigil to talk with their peers about the issue.
“This isn’t about one color; this is about equality,” said a San Diego teen at the event. “It starts with us as young people, because we’re the ones that are going to grow and see the outcome. So all you young people out there, dont be afraid to stand up.”
Zimmerman has since been charged with second-degree murder and is awaiting trial.
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