Trayvon Martin did not get the justice he deserved, but his memory will live on

trayvon martin

Dear Trayvon Martin,

I wish you could have had a chance to live, I wish you could have had a chance to tell your story. Your’s is the only story we have yet to hear. Sometimes it’s hard to think that so much anger could come from one case, yet your case has become something that I wish you could have been alive to see.

As much as your family misses you, just know that they are not alone in the shedding of tears. So many weep for you, before and after the trial of your killer. The reason they weep is not only because you died so young, but that your death was easily avoidable.

You did not deserve to die Trayvon. It is hard for so many of us to imagine being treated the way you were while walking home in your own neighborhood. I will never understand the humiliations that come with being a young black kid in America, and the profiling that comes with it.

I have never been looked at with suspicion in the suburbs, I have never been targeted by “neighborhood watches” or police, I have never been stopped for random drug searches while my black neighbors are. I have not, and hopefully will not understand that stigma. The sad thing is, neither will you Trayvon. Never again.

If I could say something to you now,  I would just say that I am sorry. I am sorry that the system has let you and so many others down. I am sorry that your family and friends have to endure the pain of your loss, and now endure the pain of knowing the man that killed you is going free. Most of all, I am sorry that you never got to tell your side of the story.

I wish you could be here, I wish that this was all a bad dream and that we’re only a moment away from waking up and everything going back to the way it was. That will not happen, but just know this Trayvon; you were not given the justice you deserved, but you have been given the proper memory you deserve.

People from across the country, of all colors, have rallied to your memory Trayvon. You are an exemplar of what is so wrong with the American systems of justice, as well as the stigma of racial targeting. You bring to light so many other cases of injustice that do not get the attention they deserve. Just know that you will be remembered in the hearts of all who fight against injustice in America. I just only wish you could have told your story. I wish you could have had a chance.

23 COMMENTS

  2. I really like your letter and this is one more case where a criminal. Walk away like o j simpson and. Casey anthony the justice system is really weak and we will see more cases like this….behind the case are a bunch of right wingers whom believe black people lives are valueless and killing its ok… and race played. An important role here not matter what they say….

  3. Beautiful, meaningful, touching letter. And to Melissa’s experience in the shoe store, I am proud of you for standing up for what is right. Your experience also made me aware of racial profiling that I have seen when I have been in stores. I did not realize until now exactly what it was. Awareness and standing up for people’s rights will help me to continue to make a difference.

  4. My heart is breaking for George Zimmerman. At only 29 years of age, his life will never be the same, even thought the jury found him not guilty. People just need to accept the decision, but many will not.

    • U obviously have no heart like George Zimmermann!!! Why Anyone would feel sorry for him is beyond me!!! What he did to that poor boy and His family will never go away!!! And for him to sit back and show absolutely no remorse what so ever for what he did just makes me sick!!! I hope that this tares him apart for the rest of his life and when the Martin family finally gets justice when someone goes right up to him and blows his fucking head clear off his shoulders I hope he rots in HELL FOR ALL ETERNITY!!!! AND AS FOR ALL OF YOU WHO FEELS ANY BIT OF SORROW FOR ZIMMERMAN I HOPE YOU GET WHAT YOU DESERVE TOO!!! HE TOOK A POOR INNOCENT CHILDS LIFE AWAY FOR NO REASON WHAT SO EVER AND ITS NOT JUST TREYVONS LIFE HE TOOK HE TOOK HIS FAMILYS LIFE AWAY AT THE SAME TIME!!! HIS POOR PARENTS HAVE TO TRY TO GO ON LIVING LIFE KNOWING THIS SICK MAN IS OUT FREE WHILE THERE SON IS 6FEET UNDER!!!! NO PARENT SHOULD EVER HAVE TO BARRY THERE CHILD!!!!

  5. I am a 68 year old white grand & great grandmother. I was outraged when I heard the verdict handed down for GZ ! This letter warmed my heart & consoled many people, so my heartfelt thanks goes out to you… I pray for the family of Trayvon Martin & hope they may find peace in the future.. I have lost 2 sons, & no matter the circumstances, it tears the heart out of your chest each time. Changes need to be made in the court systems…. This was a clear case of murder! Trayvon, may you rest in peace & know you will never be forgotten!

  6. At least “Georgie” heard the remarks about how soft and weak he is and immediately went into hiding after the verdict was read and wherever he hides he will not be able to escape the knowledge of what he has done. Karma, do your thing!

  7. thank you for a beautiful and heartfelt letter Julian. the outcome of the Zimmerman case is an absolute travesty to Trayvon, his family, and every American citizen desiring ‘justice for all’. this case shines a light on the irrefutable fact that racism and racial profiling is indeed alive and well in our country. in Trayvon’s memory, a peaceful fight for social and racial equality must be re-ignited.

  9. Maybe this will be the beginning of a change…….we cannot let this ever be forgotten…… I live In Kentucky and am a white 57 year old woman I say this to let everyone know it isn’t only African Americans that is anger about how Trayvon was treated! Loved your letter it speaks for a lot of us!

  11. I was a foster mother to a black teenager. I took him to buy some shoes one day, along with my blonde haired, blue eyed son. They were both on the same aisle looking at sneakers. I noticed the sales clerk standing there, close to my foster son and watching every move. When he picked out his shoes, the sales clerk took them from his hand, asked if he intended to buy them, and when he said yes, she escorted him to the checkout line and stood there. Meanwhile, a few minutes later, my blonde son comes walking up with his pair of shoes in the box, in his hands, unescorted. I was livid. I called the manager over and told him what I had just witnessed. He apologized, but he didn’t mean it. I told them we would NOT be buying the shoes and my foster son said, “It’s okay. No big deal. I’m used to it. It happens all the time, everywhere I go.” Can we just get the shoes? I like them. We drove to 2 more stores before we found the pair of shoes where the sales clerk allowed HIM to carry them to the checkout stand. Racism and racial profiling is alive and well in the United States of America. Liberty and Justice for all? I think not.

    • Your experience is important for the very reason your blonde child was allowed to carry his own item to the cash register; your race validates what you say and what you do. The experience of your foster child happens to the rest of us ALL of the time.

      • My comment was in response to Melissa Puntenney’s remarks. Julian, your letter to Trayvon is heartful. I, for one, join your sentiments for this unintentional voice for freedom and justice. R.I.P., Trayvon and may your parents receive our prayers.

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