Community Corner

Napa Unites For Racial Equality At Trayvon Martin Rally

The Napa community came together Thursday to peacefully protest George Zimmerman's acquittal and to celebrate the memory of Trayvon Martin.

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE SUMBI

More than 60 people assembled outside of the Napa County courthouse on Thursday evening to protest the George Zimmerman verdict, reflect on the life of Trayvon Martin and demand racial justice for all citizens in America.

“With this verdict, it’s a sad time for the United States and for our judicial justice system,” said Edgar-Arturo Camacho-Gonzalez, a Napa activist and one of the rally organizers. “It’s really awesome to see that even in Napa, miles away from Florida, we’re still in solidarity.”

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The racially diverse crowd stood united while holding signs that bared the likeness of Trayvon Martin with the powerful phrase, “I Am Trayvon Martin And My Life Matters.”

Martin, a 17-year-old black male, was shot and killed in February 2012 by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch captain in Florida who said he was defending himself.

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On Saturday, July 13, a jury acquitted Zimmerman of second-degree murder and manslaughter charges sparking uproar from Martin supporters who say the Florida teen was unjustly racially profiled.  

Local activists, college students, professors and concerned citizens of Napa all gathered together on the steps of the courthouse on Brown street to express their sorrow and outrage over the outcome of the trial.

“I now have less faith in the justice system than I have ever had in the past,” said Janet Stickmon, a Napa Valley College humanities professor. “Zimmerman being found not guilty tells our country, tells the world that the United States has no value for black male life and for black life in general.”

Stickmon was just one of several speakers that addressed the crowd at Thursday's rally which was termed “Somos Trayvon” meaning We Are Trayvon.

Many people in the audience wanted to make an effort to examine the social and racial overtones that were exhibited during and after the trial.  

“As a white person living in the United States, I have certain privileges that other people of color in my community simply don’t have,” said Alex Shantz, a Napa activist. “This isn’t about white guilt. I don’t feel guilty for being white but that doesn’t change the fact that I benefit from systems of oppression such as white privilege.”

Advocates at the rally also utilized the event to discuss how communities across the country can perhaps begin the healing process.

“Are you suspicious of people of color? Do you hold onto your purse just a little bit tighter when you see a black man or brown man approaching,” asked Eileene Tejada, an English professor at Napa Valley College. “We must declare our right as human beings that each one of us tonight commits as human beings to value life and that money and material wealth does not supersede the life of one of our children.”

What are your feelings about the Zimmerman trial and verdict? Lets begin the conversation and please remember to be respectful of others and their opinions.


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