Patrisse Cullors - E! Online "How Black Lives Matter Began: Meet the Women Whose Hashtag Turned Into a Global Movement"

E! Online | June 9, 2020

“On Feb. 26, 2012, 17-year-old Trayvon Martin was shot to death while on his way back to the house he was visiting in a gated community in Sanford, Fla.

A month later, President Barack Obama, making his first public remarks about the case, said, "If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon." A full investigation into what happened was imperative, he said.

George Zimmerman, the man who pulled the trigger, was charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter. He didn't testify at trial but the defense maintained that he shot Trayvon in self-defense. He had spotted the teen walking while patrolling the area in his own vehicle as a volunteer neighborhood watch leader and, Zimmerman claimed, Trayvon punched him when he got out of his car and banged his head against the sidewalk, causing Zimmerman to fear for his life. There was "something off" about him, Zimmerman had told police, per a recording played in court.

The prosecution argued that Zimmerman saw Trayvon, decided he looked suspicious, followed him for awhile, got out of his car and had the upper hand when he shot him. 

On July 13, 2013, Zimmerman was acquitted of all charges.

Appalled by the verdict, Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi took action.”

Follow the link above to learn more about the Black Lives Matter founders.

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