Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American History wants Trayvon Martin’s hoodie

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The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American History wants the hooded sweatshirt Trayvon Martin was wearing when he was shot and killed.

The 17-year-old was shot and killed on his way home by neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman. Zimmerman was charged with second-degree murder and pleaded not guilty, arguing self defense.

On July 13th, Zimmerman was acquitted of all charges by a Florida jury.

The hoodie Martin was wearing on the night of his death became a symbol for protesters and Martin family supporters.

Lonnie Bunch, the museum’s director, confirmed to The Washington Times that they are seeking the hoodie for display following the Department of Justice’s investigation.

“It became the symbolic way to talk the Trayvon Martin case. It’s rare that you get one artifact that really becomes the symbol,” Bunch told The Washington Times. “Because it’s such a symbol, it would allow you to talk about race in the age of Obama.”

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is set to open in 2015.

Follow Carrie Healey on Twitter @CarrieHeals.