trayvon martin after effect: what now?

By: Nathan Leigh, AFROPUNK #souncheck Editor

The chant was “Trayvon lives,” our fingers held up in the shape of an L. Though conservative commentators had been predicting riots, the thousands us assembled in Times Square seemed determined to channel our anger into something productive, rather than destructive. Trayvon Martin’s murder was senseless but it must not be meaningless. We sat down in Times Square. Thousands of us blocking traffic for over an hour while speakers appeared in all corners of the square using megaphones and the Occupy call and response known as the People’s Mic. The speakers called unanimously for justice and for unity. For calm and peace, but also for decisive action.

As the night wore on, some of my friends were treated to pepper spray and tear gas by New York’s finest. A clear sign that the road ahead will not be easy, and we will be met with resistance. But sitting in the middle of 7th Ave in Times Square listening to speakers—both from well respected organizations and simply impassioned individuals—the feeling was undeniable that this could be the beginning of a mass movement to ensure that Trayvon did not die in vain. What happens next?

Pharooahe Moch- STand Your Ground

(following photos by Photo credit: Mario Tama/ Getty Images)