Students gathered in front of the clock tower Wednesday in solemn remembrance of Trayvon Martin, who would have celebrated his 19th birthday. The event was organized by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Education sophomore Marcelle Dupuy, who attended the event, said they wanted to gather on Martin’s birthday instead of the anniversary of the trial to let Martin’s family know they support them.
The students took group pictures on the steps of the Memorial Tower with hoods covering their heads, alluding to the hoodie Martin was wearing at the time of his death. They lowered their heads and each raised a single fist for black power. The group said a prayer, hoping the best for Martin’s family and other victims of injustice.
Broadcast journalism senior and Alpha Phi Alpha member Myron Smothers made a short speech, emphasizing the example Martin’s situation can serve to promote justice, not only for victims in the black community, but for all.
He said injustice is not defined racially. He said the black community has a tendency to think injustice only happens to them, instead of being a problem which transcends boundaries.
Dupuy said the Trayvon Martin incident definitely had racial undertones. She compared the portrayal of Martin in the media at the time of the incident to the media’s reaction to Justin Bieber’s antics. People excuse Bieber for his actions because he is a kid, but Martin is labeled as a thug, Dupuy said.
Smothers brought up the news that George Zimmerman, who was accused of killing Martin, would be participating in a celebrity boxing match with rapper DMX.
“Since when did killing a teenager make you a celebrity,” he said.
Smothers said he understands why DMX would want to fight Zimmerman, with the tension which still exists about the incident in the black community.
“He’s more infamous than famous,” Smothers said. Smothers said the match would bring attention to Zimmerman, but that he should be out of the spotlight.
“Since when did killing a teenager make you a celebrity.”