Today, U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) issued the following statement on the charges filed against George Zimmerman in the murder of Trayvon Martin on February 26, 2012 in Sanford, Florida:
Today, U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) issued the following statement on the charges filed against George Zimmerman in the murder of Trayvon Martin on February 26, 2012 in Sanford, Florida:
“Trayvon Martin’s parents endured a loss that no one should have to endure. Parents should not have to bury their child. It took 45 days, but finally, second-degree murder charges have been filed against the man who killed their son. That George Zimmerman killed Trayvon Martin is not in dispute. But letting him enjoy his freedom for 45 days was unconscionable. We’ve stood up for Trayvon for 45 days. We’ve stood up for justice for 45 days.
“I’ve been praying for Trayvon’s family. Thankfully, the special prosecutor announced today that second-degree murder charges have been filed against Mr. Zimmerman. Now, the American justice system will take its course. While this chapter in the Trayvon Martin case may be over, we still need to have an honest and open discussion of the hard truths that led to this tragedy. Trayvon’s death must not be in vain. Racial profiling still exists in our country. There’s a level of distrust between law enforcement and Black men. These are difficult conversations to have, but we must have them so that there will be no more tragedies like Trayvon’s.”
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Rep. Frederica S. Wilson is a first-term Congresswoman representing the 17th District of Florida, including Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward Counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school.
