|
|
 |
Call to Action for TrayvonMonday, March 26th, marks the one-month anniversary since our 17 year-old brother, Trayvon Martin, was fatally killed by a self-appointed neighborhood watchman in central Florida. That watchman, George Zimmerman, continues to walk the streets as a free man. Trayvon's mother and father continue to mourn the loss of their beloved son, and questions remain unanswered. As young legal professionals, we must lead by example and teach our children how to fight for justice. "A lawyer's either a social engineer or he's a parasite on society."
- Charles Hamilton Houston FAMU Law's BLSA Chapter started our student movement, by gathering in front of the Seminole County Courthouse and demanding a federal probe into the murder of brother Trayvon and meeting with local prosecutors. Throughout the nation, local BLSA chapters, community organizations and advocacy leaders are organizing rallies and protests calling for the immediate arrest of George Zimmerman. We cannot stop there. We have been called to action to seek justice for Trayvon and make sure that a travesty like this does not happen again. We must not only bring awareness to this situation but to these laws.In Avery, Texas, just weeks before this incident, a man was charged with murder when he shot a person attempting to flee his property; he claimed a similar defense. This demonstration of inconsistency reconfirms our strides for justice are not in vain. It also illustrates the need to remove such vague and potentially discriminatory laws from each of the states. At least 27 states have adopted a form of the Castle Doctrine/Stand your Ground laws and 16 allow lethal force in a public place. Join NBLSA in our initiative to seek justice for Trayvon:(1) Sign the Petition at Change.org calling for the arrest of George Zimmerman.(2) Continue to bring awareness to the justice movement. All around the country, BLSA chapters are organizing student rallies and town hall discussions regarding self-defense laws, racial profiling, and criminal procedure. Advocate for justice within your community. (3) Contact your local NAACP chapter and see how your BLSA chapter can join in the movement. On March 31st, The Florida State Conference of NAACP Chapters will be hosting a Justice for Trayvon March & Rally in Sanford, FL and ask for your support. (4) Join NBLSA on Monday, March 26th as we host candlelight vigils across the country at our schools to mourn the death of Trayvon Martin. (5) If your state is one of the 27, fight to remove these laws from existence. Challenge your lawmakers of the necessity and discuss the discrepancies in Texas and Florida. For more information, contact the advocacy team about your states' statute and what it means. Please continue to keep the Martin family in your thoughts and prayers as we continue to fight for justice. In NBLSA love, Kendra Brown Abre' Conner Charlyn Stanberry |
Connect with NBLSA