The killing of Trayvon Martin has now become a national tragedy. In addition to the unnecessary and tragic death of a young black teenager, nearly half of our country and most African Americans believe a grave injustice has occurred. While most in the minority community are resolute in their dislike of the verdict, a majority in the legal community and most white Americans believe George Zimmerman was innocent. Why is there such a disparity? What can we do to address this disparity of perception and accomplish the admirably stated goal of Trayvon Martin’s parents to make sure that Trayvon did not die in vain? All Americans should be concerned that so many people of color believe this case represents injustice and is another example of how little we value the lives of African American men and boys. America is a better place when her citizens are able to recognize when people are hurting and they have suffered injustice. The Bible is filled with passages and verses that literally cry out for justice, and we are told in Romans 12:15 to …weep with those who weep.
Regardless of how we view this case, Trayvon Martin will remain a symbol and the question for history is this:
What lessons will be learned and what will his death inspire?
Justice will never be perfect, color blind, or immune from the influence of wealth. But if we take a few small steps in the right direction, we can, as a nation, move closer to living up to the proposition framed by John E. E. Dalberg in 1877: The most certain test by which we judge whether a country is free is the amount of security enjoyed by minorities.