Union Square was the meeting point for what would end up being a protest for Trayvon Martin that shut down all major intersections from 14th Street to 42nd Street and across eight avenues in New York City. The air was heavy with humidity, frustration and unity but neither NYPD nor New York City traffic stopped the crowd. Each culture, religion, ethnicity and ability was represented in the faces that flooded the streets. The overall sentiment: injustice would not be tolerated and sitting idle was no longer an option.
Just as the fear at the loss of humanity crept across the United States, thousands showed up to stop it in its tracks. The crowd chanted “what does democracy look like?” and in response the multi-hued faces responded “this is what democracy looks like.” Many media outlets had the nation believing that the only reaction would be a violent one. Yesterday, a group of people stood their ground and there weren’t any causalities.
NYPD made their presence known and many of the “boys in blue” were standing eagerly with batons and hand-cuffs drawn. This intimidation tactic didn’t frighten the crowd that pushed right through their attempt at a barrier. The people were not going to submit to a government that they don’t feel protected by.
Protests won’t bring Trayvon back but for his grieving mother, today she knows she is not alone and can find solace and comfort in strangers who march for Trayvon.
Click continue to view pictures of those who stood for justice.
