Ask the Justice Department: Open a Civil Rights Case Against George Zimmerman
- Yasha Wallin posted in Living, Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman

The most fundamental of civil rights—the right to life—was violated the night George Zimmerman stalked and then took the life of Trayvon Martin. Now, a jury has acquitted Zimmerman, but that doesn’t mean we can’t continue to demand justice for Trayvon Martin. Ask that the Department of Justice file civil rights charges against Mr. Zimmerman for this egregious violation. Sign the petition to the Attorney General Eric Holder of Department of Justice today.

Continue to moveon.org

Rap music doesn’t get unarmed kids shot to death, “it’s different” does. “It’s different” infuses “these assholes always get away” and gives solace to people who hear that sound bite and nod their empty heads in agreement. “It’s different” is the same logic that suggests a teenager’s skin color combined with the music he listened to means he had it coming, and it’s the same logic that lets a bunch of people feign outrage over a teenager’s use of the n-word to describe himself when they’re really just outraged that he beat them to the punch.

How we talk about hip-hop after Trayvon Martin, and why it matters

In the NBA, the symbolism of this stance on this issue wearing this clothing item goes deeper. Because for the past six years, NBA players have been banned from wearing hoodies while at games, press conferences, and other league events.

Players Flout the NBA’s Hoodie Ban to Stand Up for Trayvon Martin

GOOD has recently been on a bit of a media blitz, with our editors getting out in front of the camera to talk about recent news events, and discussing articles from our most recent issue, Beg, Borrow, or Steal. 

Here is a clip (advance to about the 37 minute mark) is GOOD’s education editor, Liz Dwyer, discussing her moving piece about what the Trayvon Martin case means to her not just as a concerned citizen—if you are unsure of how bad this law is, please reference our infographic—but what it meant for her as a mother of two black sons. She also talks about this poignant discussion she filmed with her kids (who are the best, by the way) about racism in their day to day lives. 

In this clip from The Big Picture with Thom Hartman, our associate editor, Nona Willis Aronowitz, chatting about her piece from our latest issue, “Minimum Rage”. This has been a big topic for our editorial team, with us launching a new Tumblr for all the Minium Ragers out there. 

We’re incredibly proud of the work from these talented people, and bonus points that both can look so good on camera. Watch the shows to hear their thoughts on these topics, and hopefully we can keep spreading these topics, and others, more in the future. 

Get informed: An Infographic History of Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law

Get emotional: Trayvon Martin Could Have Been One of My Kids

Wear your hoodie.