Youth-led campaigns seek justice for Trayvon Martin, refute Don Lemon
theGRIO REPORT - In wake of the Trayvon Martin murder trial, movements led by young people who embrace hoodies, tattoos, hip-hop culture and rebellion are proving that a powerful voice in this nation can defy stereotypes or expectations...
The Dream Defenders maintain their ground, waiting for the day when they will achieve justice for their fallen peers.
As Taylor points out, it’s the extension of a movement that began long ago.
“We’re not some random kids that came to the Capitol to disrupt the everyday flow of things,” she adds. “We’ve been reading and researching and analyzing and figuring out what’s the best way to go about doing what we’re doing. And a lot of that comes from strategies that were implemented by the NAACP and those civil rights movements from the 1940s and 1970s.”
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Surrounding these factions, an industry has been built to further awareness through merchandise sales, which benefit the foundations.
Though commercial elements are not always favorable, Maree and Skolnik express little concern that Martin’s story will become a moneymaking venture.
Maree contends his work in entertainment and media has enabled him to beneficially leverage products, and that he has the backing of the Martin family.
Says Skolnik, when used properly, campaign paraphernalia can make the greatest impression of all.
“The hoodie that Travyon Martin wore, you’ll always remember,” he remarks. “That’s what makes us hip-hop. Our fashion, our style is part of our language and that’s why we’ve been the most powerful youth culture in the history of this country…We make statements with what we wear.”
Follow Courtney Garcia on Twitter at @CourtGarcia
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