‘Stop the Violence’: Zimmerman Acquittal Sparks Rally, Vigil in Macon

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Outrage and controversy surrounding George Zimmerman’s acquittal spread to downtown Macon on Tuesday.

Nearly a hundred people filled the streets calling for justice in the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. The impact of the verdict out of Florida continues to be felt across the nation and in Middle Georgia.

“He was walking home,” said Liz Rice, “he was walking home and in the United States of America, you should be free to walk down whatever street you want, wearing whatever you want, doing whatever you want”.

Demonstrators carried signs, chanting phrases like “stop the violence” and “I am Trayvon” before stopping at the federal courthouse in Bibb County. The march ended just a block away from where a 17-year-old in Macon was shot and killed at the Zodiac Lounge.

“We had Sammie Davis, Shabora Daniels and now, Jamonni Bland,” Daryl Jackson said, “we march for people we don’t know but we need to march for the people right here. We have killings and injustices right her in Macon.”

The Zimmerman case and recent violence in our area has triggered emotion about race and gun control.

“It should be stipulations on who should be able to get one,” said Rasheedah Caldwell, the march organizer, “these are people’s lives we are talking about.”

The pleas for peace continued at a vigil against violence Tuesday afternoon. At Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Reverend Stephen Summerow wore a hoodie during his sermon.

“Let us have the conversations with our young men with our communities,” Summerow said.

He encouraged the congregation to continue to be peaceful and find a positive response to the verdict. Days after the jury’s decision, the debate about this case is far from over.

Follow Jasmine Williams on Twitter and ‘like’ her on Facebook.