'Halloween Hoodie Campaign' held in Florida after death of Trayvon Martin

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share via Email
• Copy Link

  Link Copied

Still haven’t decided on a costume for Halloween this year?

Two Miami residents are encouraging people to wear hooded sweatshirts in their “Halloween Hoodie Campaign” to protest stereotyping after the controversial shooting death of fellow Floridian, Ttayvon Martin earlier this year.

The 17-year-old was wearing a hoodie when he was shot and killed by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watchman who confronted Martin as he walked home from a 7-Eleven in the Orlando suburb of Sanford.

After the death of Trayvon Martin, many supporters of the Martin family wore hoodies and posted photos to show their support, including the entire Miami Heat team.

However, the creators of the “Halloween Hoodie Campaign,” Gauis Benbow and Rochelle Oliver, say their campaign’s purpose is to help put an end to negative stereotyping.

Oliver told the Orlando Sentinel that the idea “isn’t about being pro-Trayvon.  It’s about being anti-stereotyping.”

“Seeing someone wearing a hoodie on Halloween will hopefully allow people to examine what they are feeling if they are scared or why they may be judging the person as a threat,” she added.

In the minute and a half video, people of different races and genders are seen putting their hoods up while stating, “I’m a black man.  Are you afraid of me now?”

Although the aim was to promote discussion and not any pro-Trayvon bias, Trayvon Martin’s uncle Ronald Fulton does make an appearance at the 0:32 mark, showing his support for the cause.

The video, posted on October 4th, currently has twice as many dislikes as likes.  Tell us how you feel about the “Halloween Hoodie Campaign” on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Follow Carrie Healey on Twitter @CarrieHeals.