“5 years later our hoodies are still up because the movement is still strong!” wrote Kerry Washington.On my way to #Oscars. Taking a moment to remember #TrayvonMartin. Our hoodies are still up and the movement is still strong. #OurSonTrayvon pic.twitter.com/PdxuXMktOg
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) February 26, 2017
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“5 years ago today #TrayvonMartin was killed. It doesn’t feel like it’s been that long because TOO many more hash tags have followed. Hoodie still up!” wrote Regina King.
The sweatshirts are from The Wire star Gbenga Akinnagbe’s Liberated People line. On February 26, 2012, Martin walked through his father’s Sanford, Florida neighborhood wearing a black hoodie after leaving a convenience store. Neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman called authorities to report that the 17-year-old was a “suspicious person.” Although he was advised to remain in his car, Zimmerman pursued Martin and killed the teen claiming self-defense. Zimmerman was later acquitted by an all-female jury. Martin’s death spurred the momentous Black Lives Matter movement. BLM co-founders Alicis Garza, Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi have cited Zimmerman’s acquittal as the reason they founded the movement. “It was a response to the anti-Black racism that permeates our society and also, unfortunately, our movements,” wrote Garza. We honor and mourn the loss of Martin’s life with each passing day. May he rest in peace.