Justice Demanded for Trayvon Martin at Columbia Vigil

Howard County political and African-American leaders called for justice for Trayvon Martin during a rousing vigil at St. John Baptist Church on Monday night.

“We have to have justice,” said Sen. Ben Cardin, D-MD. “We need an independent investigation and we’re going to get it.”

Cardin drew loud applause during his speech as he took a strong stance in support of Martin, the black Florida teen who was shot and killed by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman on Feb. 26 in Sanford, FL.

“We want to find out whether race was a factor,” declared Cardin. “We want to make sure justice prevails. It’s time to end racial profiling in America.”

The vigil was attended by more than 200 people, many of whom wore hoodies—the type of sweatshirt worn by Martin at the time of his death.

Howard County Executive Ken Ulman called Martin’s death a “senseless tragedy.” He, like others at the event, quoted Martin Luther King Jr. to summarize why Martin’s death is being addressed in Howard County.

“An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” said Ulman. He urged those present to embrace the values of diversity and community on which Columbia was founded.

“Yes we’re here to demand justice in Florida,” said Ulman. “But I’m here to tell you that we’re going to work hard everyday to make sure we embrace our shared values every single day.”

African-American leaders said racism is still present in today’s America.

The Rev. Dr. Bowyer Freeman, pastor of New St. Mark Baptist Church in Baltimore, called the Martin case a public policy matter that can be corrected by elected officials who serve the public interest.

“You can make a difference,” said Bowyer. “Stand up. Stand out… Peace is not the absence of tension, but the presence of justice.”

The Rev. Dr. Tyrone P. Jones IV, pastor of First Baptist Church of Guilford, called this a turning point in the life of the United States.

“[Martin’s death] has shaken up the social consciousness of the United States,” said Jones. “We have the right to demand justice. Power concedes nothing without a great demand.”

Don Cash, Region 7 National NAACP board member, asked those present to educate themselves about the American Legislative Exchange Council, a conservative group that drafts model legislation for state legislators. ALEC, as the group is known, helped draft the Florida Stand Your Ground law, which allows a citizen to use force when there is reasonable belief of a threat.

He told the crowd that large corporations such as AT&T, Johnson and Johnson and Coach help support ALEC’s work.

“We need to let them know we are not going to support them if they don’t support safe communities,” said Cash.

Between speeches, the Donald Simms Group entertained the crowd with faith-based music. Large images of Trayvon Martin, his gray hoodie draped over his face, were projected onto a wall.

“Trayvon Martin was innocent,” said Anasia Wharton, president of the Howard County NAACP Youth Council, which organized the event. “His killer is still walking the streets with his gun.”

At the end of the vigil, the Rev. Dr. Robert Turner, pastor of St. John Baptist, led a prayer as the crowd joined hands.

Attendees sang “We Shall Overcome” as they filed out of the church, led by the boys and girls of the NAACP Youth Council.

No charges have been filed in the Martin case.