Approximately 150 people in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois took part in the national march called by the NAACP for a federal civil rights case against George Zimmerman who last week was acquitted for stalking and murdering 17 year-old African American youth Trayvon Martin. Sponsors included: Champaign County NAACP, CU Citizens for Peace and Justice, National Council of African American Men, Citizens with Convictions, NorthEnd Breakfast Club, Sisternet, Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence, an AON CCAD.
The march kicked off from Martin Luther King, Jr. Park in Urbana. Youth led the march carrying a sign to remember Kiwane Carrington, a 15 year-old black youth killed by Champaign police in 2009. Aaron Ammons led the march on bullhorn.
Marchers raised up their hoodies in memory of Trayvon as they went down University Avenue.
Marchers chanted, “Stand Your Ground Must Go Down.”
“Treyvon was not dangerous, the system is dangerous.”
Sundiata Cha-Jua, Professor of African American Studies and member of the Breakfast Club, led a rally on the plaza of the federal courthouse.
NAACP President Patricia Avery addressed the crowd.
