Hurt and confusion best describes the sentiment of many Trayvon Martin supporters following the conclusion of the George Zimmerman trial.
A jury, comprised of six women, deliberated for more than 16 hours before finding George Zimmerman not guilty Saturday night.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., which celebrated its 51st National Convention this past weekend in Washington D.C., issued a statement in response to the verdict:
“The members of Delta Sigma Theta are disheartened by the acquittal of George Zimmerman, the man responsible for the senseless death of Trayvon Martin. As Delta Sigma Theta is an organization that encourages its members and community to respect and uphold the legal system, it is simultaneously unfortunate that the system has failed to provide justice for Trayvon Martin and other African-American males. We can only hope and pray that this verdict will not set a precedent for the continued practice and legal sanctioning of racial profiling.
Our hearts are heavier this morning as we must live another day knowing that one of ‘our sons’ has lost his life and his assailant has gone free. Trayvon Martin’s death must not be in vain. The women of Delta Sigma Theta will continue to join the fight to end racial injustice and assist in the repeal of laws that overtly or covertly victimize African-American men and women in this country, especially our youth.
As more than 40,000 women gathered for our 51st National Convention in Washington, DC, the political capital of the world, we call upon the United States Justice Department to launch a thorough investigation to determine whether or not George Zimmerman may be prosecuted under the federal system for the death of Trayvon Martin. In response to this grave injustice, members of Delta Sigma Theta and other civic organizations are encouraged to mobilize their communities by signing petitions, organizing peaceful protests, convening forums, hosting trainings, and engaging their elected officials on the federal, state, and local levels to heighten public awareness about ‘Stand Your Ground’ and other legislation that has a disparate impact on minority communities.
As a 100-year old international organization of over 250,000 women initiated since its founding and comprised of mothers, sisters, wives, aunts, grandmothers and relatives of Africa-American males throughout this country, Delta Sigma Theta intends to stand its ground to ensure that our children are not profiled and attacked based on racial stereotypes and biased assumptions.”
Delta Sigma Theta, founded on Jan. 13, 1913 at Howard University, is the largest sorority for African American women with over 300,000 members.
CONTACT: Bernadine Stallings, (202) 986-2400 Ext. 383 bstallings@deltasigmatheta.org
Ella McNair, (202) 986-2400 emcnair@deltasigmatheta.org
Xina Eiland, (703) 785-4358 xina@xinapr.com
SOURCE Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
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