Trayvon Martin PSAs: Chaka Khan, Other Celebrities, Ordinary People Pay Tribute to Slain Teen
by Free Britney at .A pair of videos - one featuring celebrities, one starring ordinary people - have surfaced online as public service announcements and tributes to Trayvon Martin.
In the first, singer Chaka Khan enlists help from celebrity friends Kelly Price, Eric Benét, Eva Pigford, Kenny Latimore, Terry Crews, Angela Bassett, Kimberly Elise and Loretta Devine, creating this public service announcement for Trayvon Martin:
Donning a black hoodie, Chaka sings “A mama’s cryin’ ’cause another young man has gone and died. He’s not some statistic. He’s an awesome destiny denied.”
In a second video, filmmakers from Newark, N.J., assembled 30 African-American males to lend their voices to speak out on the Trayvon Martin case and the way they believe black males are being perceived in the media and society.
They, too, wear hooded sweatshirts as audio of a 911 dispatcher speaking to George Zimmerman, and Geraldo Rivera's comments, play in the background:
The tributes are moving, however, some have suggested that Martin becoming a national symbol and media obsession has indirectly led to bias against George Zimmerman, who claims self-defense and has not been charged with a crime.
Martin's death is a tragedy and the public is right to question why an unarmed teen was slain. Yet making Trayvon into a martyr or entertainment form oversimplifies a complex matter does little to honor his memory - or the accused's right to due process.
It's important to consider all sides of the issue. Do you agree?
Related Stories
-
Trayvon Martin Shouts Disputed in 911 Calls -
George Zimmerman's Brother: Sorry For Racist Tweets!
-
George Zimmerman Waives Right to "Stand Your Ground" Pretrial Hearing, Stuns Courtroom
Comments (46 Total)
Ahahaha @mikeys wife..."we're all black when the lights are out" that is an interesting statement!
This whole thing smells like a Rat! Wasting time- investigation should be over! We all know that " THEY" did it! Damn it! Where are the Warrants?
@Calico, George should have listened to 911 but he didn't. Shows poor judgement but nothing more. So he realizes he is in over his head. George walks back to his truck and the kids follows him. Starts beating Zimmerman and gets his piece taken from him. George gets the gun back and shoots Trayvon. You want stats, look them up. Prisons are mainly occupied by african americans of ALL AGES.
Its amazing how some folks use a persons past as almost a justification for their present demise. So what that kid was expelled for a plastic bag with marijuana residue? George still should have obeyed the instructions of the 911 operator. What was really in his mind and heart? Question? How many unarmed non-black children have been killed like this? Off the cuff! How many non black unarmed citizens have been killed by non-white police?
Joivelle - Ahhhhh - NO! I would buy " THEY" as the Media slandering his name- But not killed. I doubt anyone would want to misdirect the blame of someone murdering their loved one! No- that's something you point directly. Again? WHO is THEY- killing my son?