ATLANTA (AP) — The Southern Christian Leadership Conference will host its annual convention in Sanford as the civil rights group aims to keep attention focused on the Trayvon Martin shooting.
SCLC Interim President C.T. Vivian said the group wants to speak to the overall issue of African Americans “being seen as something they are not” and “being killed for something they shouldn't be killed for.”
Vivian said the Martin shooting was an opportunity to engage young people and teach them about non-violent direct action, a cornerstone of the civil rights movement.
Trayvon was fatally shot in a gated apartment complex Feb. 26 by neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman as the 17-year-old unarmed teen was walking back from a nearby convenience store.
The case gained national attention as race was questioned as a possible factor.
Zimmerman has since been charged with second-degree murder.
Photo: C.T. Vivian
No Comment