Antone’ De’Jaun Davis-Correia (Photo Credit: Jessica McGowan/Getty Images).
By Antone’ De’Jaun Davis-Correia, AIUSA National Youth Death Penalty Abolition Advocate
Caught at the wrong time, in what shouldn’t have been the wrong place, the case of Trayvon Martin still resonates with me. It happened to someone close to my age, someone that looks like me, it happened not too far from where I live. It demonstrates that even being home is not safe for African Americans, for young men of color like me and others across the country.
Trayvon was seen as a threat. The message that this highlights is that you become a suspect just by what you look like. It makes me fear walking down the street, having a conversation on my cell phone, as a young person of color, you are reminded that you have to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Race is still a big issue in this country and can condemn you within our criminal justice system as both victim and suspect.
I’ve spent the last 7 years of my life, going through the justice system with my uncle Troy Davis. Even after his execution on September 21, 2011, my family and I have continued to speak out against the flaws of a racial charged system. On the same week as the George Zimmerman verdict, an African American mother in the same state of Florida was sentenced to 20 years for firing warning shots as she feared for her life.
Is equal justice possible in America, when the system disproportionately impacts people of color? When outcomes are so dependent on access to funds, to get the best lawyers, can overworked public defenders be counted on to give their poor, black clients the best?
I believe the only way to fight against ignorance and a flawed system is education and movement building. It is especially important that young people know their human and civil rights for when they are approached by police or private citizens. With education and using our collective voice against discrimination, we can help make the change so that there are no more Trayvon Martins or Troy Davises.
The United States has ratified both the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination, and yet the reality of our justice system is far from these ideals. The trial of George Zimmerman for the killing of Trayvon Martin opens a discourse about the entrenched discrimination in our society, and emphasizes the urgency of addressing the injustice of racial bias.
The U.S. Department of Justice is currently investigating Trayvon Martin’s death. Regardless of their findings, this investigation is vital in acknowledging the larger issues of pervasive racial discrimination in our justice system, and in ensuring that the human rights of victims and suspects are fully upheld in future trials.
It is a human right to not be discriminated against based appearance and to live a life unthreatened by what you look like. Unfortunately, this right is often denied.
Please take action to help end this violation. The End Racial Profiling Act, recently introduced in Congress, is key in ending institutionalized discrimination, and is an essential step towards ensuring equal justice for all. By calling your representative and asking them to support this legislation, you help America move one step closer to its founding ideals of justice and equality.
I want to let Trayvon’s mother know, I’m on her side, that I will not stop fighting and searching for justice. State by state and city by city, we will make this happen. I want to make sure I leave my imprint on society, that my actions bring us closer to realizing the mission of Amnesty International, that everyone can fully enjoy all their human rights.
Please join us to make this a reality.
You have fallen victim to the false narrative surrounding this case. That, or you are purposely contributing to the false narrative surrounding this case. If the former statement is true I am sorry for your ignorance or refusal to accept the truth/facts surrounding this case. If the later is true shame on you.
Brian, I am sorry for your ignorance and refusal to see the bigger picture here. Shame on you.
Brian, is there a true narrative surrounding this case? I saw no proof that the one narrative that was accepted was true. Since when do we allow the accused to provide the facts of a case with no physical evidence?
No physical evidence? Are you kidding?
No physical evidence you say? So Zimmerman having a broken nose and his head bleeding in the back does not even matter in his innocence? How about the background criminal check on Martin that showed he had stolen from people and has gotten in trouble at school multiple times. Is there no reason that almost all of the jury in the Zimmerman case found Zimmerman not guilty? Do you know why the jury said Zimmerman innocent? It is because there was an EXTREME lack of evidence to prove he was guilty of murder. Of course, lets persecute him even further. After all he is guilty right? No matter what evidence is presented, people like you are just going to go to the ends of the earth to see him behind bars or dead. Are you equivalent to a witch hunter now? You make me sick.
Great article! Well written and thought provoking
I totally agree… We must continue the good fight! Dr. King and his generation passed the torch and it was dropped now this next generation with the help of my generation has picked it back up! Trayvon, as sad as it is, was chosen for such a cause! God makes no mistakes!!!!
You make me feel humble with your well defined feelings and beliefs. And I'm proud to be a true supporter of equality between all races. We've learned much from you De'Jaun, your Uncle Troy, your inspirational Mom and the Davis family. Thank you.
it is really sad about what happened to Mr Martin it is really unfair that somebody get killed because he was in a white neighborhood thank God this things is not in New York City I hope of the states should continue fight against racism
Thank you so much for providing insight into what it is like to be a non-white man in this country. I would say African American, but not all people of color are from African descent. Trayvon Martin was stalked and killed because he was a man of color, wearing a hoodie, it is that simple. My husband wears a hoodie, but he is white. So, the only difference is that this boy was not white, and George Zimmerman used racial profiling to decide that he was going to go beyond the call of duty that neighborhood watches are supposed to go – and not only stalk this boy, but get out of his car and confront him, against the direct instructions of the police. I still cannot believe that he was not found guilty, however, I think the prosecution overreached and should have gone for negligent homicide.
A well written article, its time the U.S.A. got to grips with "race relations", as a British citizen America is the last place I would wish to live.
Yes Colin —- as a British citizen I'm sure you are not aware of the explosion or ACTUAL racially motivated crime in the UK, the steady flow of race riots (among all races but most significantly between Asians and Blacks). Institutionalised racism among the UK police and the very racist organization of the "National Black Police Association". As a US Citizen I welcome you to stay put in Jolly Ole England.