Hundreds of protestors marched the streets of downtown Phoenix on Tuesday night as a show of solidarity with other cities across the country. The group is part of a national effort they’re calling a ‘blackout’ movement. African American leaders want the Justice Department to investigate the death of Trayvon Martin.
More than 200 protestors stood at the Civic Space Park in downtown Phoenix praying and singing. During the gathering human rights advocates reminded its young attendees to walk the city streets with caution. Leaders from the black community reminded protestors to keep the faith that justice will come for the slain Florida teen.
The group marched from the park to the Justice Department’s office in downtown Phoenix. Ahmad Daniels, a history professor, was among the marchers. So was 65-year-old Karen Crawford who said this is her first time ever marching for a cause.
“Race is an integral part of the American system. Be you 13, 14 years old or be you my age, 65 I still walk down the street and people cross to the other side, I’m being profiled,” said Daniels. “It has nothing to do with me as much as it has something to do with the color of my skin."
“I really hope that this is a starting point for a discussion across the nation because it seems like everybody is talking about this one. This seems to be an initiative that may make something happen,” said Crawford.
The Justice Department has not commented on whether it will investigate the death of Trayvon Martin.