Dear Trayvon,
I am a 6’7, 250 pound, Black serial hoodie wearer. There is almost never a time that I leave home without wearing one, aside from any formal occasion. It’s often a favorite choice of mine to wear and you’ll find me wearing one in many photos. But in light of recent events I have to wonder if my love for a very common fashion accessory coupled with my brown skin could one day lead to my untimely death the way it has for you.
For weeks I’ve sat with the knowledge of your story without speaking publicly about it like I have with many other issues on many other occasions. A part of me was reluctant to fully digest the story and process what I was told to believe as truth. Because then I would have to face the grim reality of the world I still live in and the challenges myself and other young Black men still face today. I’m ready to face it.
You see, my name is also Travon. And when I heard and began to see the face of a 17 year old kid who not only shared my name, but also a very close resemblance to myself as a kid all over the internet and television was gunned down, heavily armed with a can of iced tea and a bag of Skittles, well it kind of hit close to home.
The name we were both given sounds exactly the same, the only difference being that your name is Travon with a Y. Which in my mind begs the question, WHY? Why did this happen to you? Why does this happen to anyone at all? In a country where some White Americans hollowly echo the name Barack Obama in their “house built upon sand” logic to scream “look how far we’ve come, we elected a Black president so racism no longer exists” it is both difficult to cope with, yet easy to understand.
Myself and so many others ache for you and those like you who everyday suffer the same demise yet their names go unmentioned. We’re often reminded of specific individuals like Oscar Grant, Sean Bell, and Amadou Diallo not because their lives were more valuable than the many lives lost that go unnamed everyday, but because in my mind, they serve as bearers of light, keepers of the gate of injustice. Stories that scream out to us and serve as a constant reminder that though we may have come far, we still have so much further to go. Unwillingly you have become one of these exaulted names.
Because you wore a hoodie you were deemed suspicious. Only to be gunned down to no fault of your own. I listened eerily to the 911 tape and heard you yell and scream for your life, begging for help but to no avail. As the tears welled up in my eyes I could only wonder, WHY? Why was no one brave enough to come when you called? Our minds can race in a thousand directions wondering what could have changed anything that would have you here with your family today and me not sitting and writing this post mortem ode to your life. All because your hoodie deemed you “real suspicious.” but no imagined scenario will return you to life.
One day I’d like to have a son of my own and I know that being the parent of a Black boy in America will never come with the same rights, privileges, peace of mind, and from the looks of how your case has been handled thus far, equality or justice as a White parent. The comfort of knowing my child isn’t perceived as inherently criminal. The ability to sleep peacefully knowing that if my child encounters law enforcement(or community watch leaders. Seriously?) it wont be shoot first, ask questions later. Or maybe ask none at all.
To equate being Black while wearing a hoodie with being a suspicious criminal, worthy of being gunned down with no repercussion to the perpetrator, is akin to saying being a woman dressed in an overly sexual manner deems her worthy of being raped with no repercussion to the rapist. It’s their fault for provoking carnal emotion(fear and lust) into their attackers.
I desperately wanted to believe that an event such as the election of a Black president would unite people in a way never before seen, to further bridge the gap between Black and White America, fostering a culture of vast curiosity and invigoration to better know each other as human beings. It appeared that way for about 48 hours. But what has really taken place is that an historic event such as the gift of a Barack Obama has instead created an extreme polarization that has divided us in a way we’ve not seen since the 1960′s. A time when a story like yours would at least make much more sense.
You were armed with nothing more than a hoodie, iced tea, and Skittles. They don’t hold up well to George Zimmerman’s 9mm pistol. I use to believe that when you shot someone in the chest and murder them that you’re supposed to be arrested. You were hunted down against the wishes of 9-11 dispatchers, gunned down, and killed. Your family grieves while George Zimmerman’s family makes excuses. All the while still retaining his freedom.
Every so often a story like yours comes along and reminds me of my place and what it means to still be Black in America. I hope and pray that there is justice for you and that this and every other story and article about your life reaches as many people as humanly possible. I can’t speak for the rest of the world, but I will never forget you and your story. Because every time I see, hear, or speak my own name I will be forever reminded of yours. And there will always be that lingering Y?
Follow @TravonZimmerman 9-11 Call:
9-11 call of Trayvon Martin begging for his life:
I posted this moving letter several weeks ago on my Facebook page. I am dismayed to see what is coming out of this tragedy and very concerned by the tone that has emerged. I’m just curious to hear what your current thoughts are on this issue given all of the new information that has come out? I was shocked to find that Zimmerman isn’t a white man and have begun questioning a lot of the information that initially emerged. Racism and inequality have been passions of mine since I can remember, and as such- I have absolutely no tolerance for anything or anyone who fans the flame of intolerance. Would love to hear thoughts on this. Thanks.
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My grandson favors Treyvon. My heart aches for his parents. My grandson is 16 and wears a hoodie sometimes he’s a straight A student sings in church and very polite quiet and mannerable. My mind says what IF. I would have a fit probably get my gun and be killed trying to get his murderer . What IF. God forbids. I can’t even fathom my reaction. I am native american.
I had to share this on facebook. This is beautifully written.
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Thank you Travon. I’m ashamed a lot of the time to be a part of a race that can so easily crucify another. It’s absolutely abhorrent to me. Have we come any further than we were in the ’60′s? Sometimes I think not. However, we must not lose hope. Keep talking Travon; keep standing up for those who have no voice. My heart has been broken once again. Thank you for taking the time to remember and defend this poor young child. Bless you!
Hi Linda, would you mind if i tweeted your comment (above), i.e. “I’m ashamed a lot of the time to be a part of a race that can so easily crucify another…”? If not could you please let me have your twitter handle so that I may acknowledge you in the tweet? Mine is: @samanthatesner or you can reach me via email: dream2read@gmail.com alternatively facebook: http://www.facebook.com/samantha.pcyang
Hi Samantha. Yes you may share this. I shouldn’t have said “the 60′s” because this has been going on much longer than that, but that was the time of my youth and my realization that we treated people of color so poorly. At any rate,…yes share! We can’t lose hope. We must continue to talk about these things and help people understand that there should be no lines drawn because of color. God help us all!
Reblogged this on whatsimportantinlife.
The saying comes to mind about the fact that evil continues when good men and women do nothing. Each one of us needs to do all we can to stop the racism and prejudice. The neighborhood security guard (wannabe cop) should be charged and in jail. Our hearts go out to Trayvon’s family. We’re so sorry for your loss.
As a 37 year old white woman, I agree with everything you said. It is disgusting what happened to this young man and my only hope it that good will come out of it to make people more aware that there needs to be so much more change in America. This needs to carried out in the public and justice needs to be served and a severe lesson learned.
This is tragic and senseless. I read the story, and then reread it, cuz it didn’t make sense. In my circle of family and friends, we really don’t see color, and I have hope that the racism and focus on color is diminishing, but it’s easy for me to say as a white woman, and sadly I see there’s still s long way to go.
I SINCERELY hope that this murderer is charged and punished, although I can’t imagine this will help Trayvon’s family pain.
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if you’re not ‘moved’ by this INJUSTICE, ready to take a stand against this evil called RACISM
This evil that justifies the KILLING OF AN INNOCENT BOY… One day it may just be your child or if not, maybe your grandchild…
“when passing the buck do not ask for change”.
Change requires Courage. Nothing will change until WE (as white people) find the Courage … Courage to stand up and shout “t’was my forefathers that BEGAN this and so help me IT WILL BE ME that ENDS THIS!”
If only all Americans could understand your message, and all Caucasians and any other race can own up to their ancestors mistakes and make some real change. amen!
@>–
Right on!
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Read the post on Faceback. We have been having a “discussion” for two days over a racially charged bumper sticker about President Obama. Over 2,600 comments so far. It has truly shocked me how outright racist people have been. I have been called a moron for defending how wrong the bumper sticker is. But it has shown me that we really have not made progress the last 50 years in civil rights. It is always, just under the surface, simmering away. I live in Long Beach, CA, a very diverse town. One of the most diverse towns in the country. I find the comments insulting. I am white. I feel nothing but pity for this boys family. The 911 call was horrible to hear. I don’t understand how they can’t charge him for murder. But two days of racist comments and I believe what you say about the south unfortunately.
This is sad in many ways and unfortunately racism exist and will continue to exist until we stop pointing fingers at each other and just all as human race realize that we are same human race and color of skin does not and should not label anybody anything but who we all are as individuals and what truly should define us is our actions and what positive/ negative we can contribute to society….
Your words were so thoughtful and beautiful and I too am saddened they had to be written. I hadn’t listened to the 911 calls until right now. I didn’t want to hear them…
I have 2 sons and the thought of some ignorant person snuffing out their life so easily makes me sick. I’m fighting back tears just thinking about what that poor boy must have gone through in his final moments. Having heard the clips and his voice just drives the sadness right into my chest.
I can’t believe things like this happen and I agree with you that we seem to have gone to a time that should not exist anymore. Yes, I’m white and can’t identify with this horrible racism as well but I know its wrong, it needs to stop and more of us (humans) need to speak up about it.
I suppose you can take this comment from a white woman who was once raped (many attempts before that from a few other men though out my life) based on what I was wearing or how I looked. I’m all about sort of hiding behind a bulky hoodie myself and have actually been putting on some weight because of it.
Nobody should have to change who they are to avoid being attacked no matter what your ethnicity happens to be. My thoughts are with Trayvon’s family. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this sad sad story.
As a white man, I agree with a lot of the things you’ve written here. Listening to the 911 tapes, it’s absolutely disgusting. I sat here shaking due to the absolute lack of humanity and understanding that was there.
I will disagree that there is a race issue with the hoodie. Again, as a white man, I’ve walked around and gotten looks from people because I prefer to wear my hood up (very self conscious about my hairline). I’ve had the cops called on me for walking a neighborhood because my friends stepped too far into someone’s yard. I’ve had security at the mall talk to me. It’s more of an apparel stigma than a race stigma.
I also think that the Barack Obama election showed that racism is alive and well on both sides. When 95% of one race votes for him in more substantial numbers than ever before, I think that shows that racism is alive on both sides.
It goes both ways. And until this world becomes less “white man keeping the _____ man down” and more recognizing that both sides add fuel to the fire, nothing will be solved.
Are you serious? Apparel stigma? Please… (Comment adds insult to injury…; voting analogy is ridiculous too!)
Yea, you obviously do not know what you are talking about. Apparel stigma my ass. I’m sure it is apparel stigma why most of my black male relatives get stopped by the reason for no reason, why, even when they’re driving their benzes they are accused of being a druglord. I’m sorry if you have a problem with black people wanting a brown face in the white house for once, a man that was supposed to right some of the wrongs of past presidents.This vicious murder is only the byproduct of deeper racism especially in that area. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/16/trayvon-martin-george-zimmerman_n_1352874.html?ref=black-voices
What’s the difference between someone wanting a white person in the house because of skin color? Honestly, it’s a joke that “black pride” is looked at as such a good thing while “white pride” is assumed as racist. Why can’t one be the same? I donated money to Herman Cain and am an adement supporter of Colonel West.
There is racism but it goes on both sides. Ever been a white kid walking through a “black” neighborhood? I’m sorry that there are whites with racist attitudes, I really am. I am not one of those and the idea that two rights make a wrong or that racism on one side makes it ok on the other is wrong; period.
The same idea that “a brown man in a white house for once” is the same idea fueling those that want to see the “brown man” out.
Both sides have work to do and until both sides see that; no real progress will be made.
Mr. Dan, you make some great points that I agree with, but there is a glaring difference in “black pride” and “white pride”. Historically, “white pride” has meant pro white and anti- black, brown, yellow, etc. “Black pride” however is not about excluding anyone only recognizing those that usually go unrecognized. For example, I went to Historically Black College/University. If you as a white man had come to my college, you would be accepted, have friends, and become an integral part of the culture. On the contrary, if a person of color chooses to go to a predominantly white school the level of acceptance is not the same.
I do agree with that. Valid points and thank you for the civility. I know that there is a stigma there and it’s a shame that transgressions of the past will haunt the future. My family escaped Germany as Hitler took over and the other was up in Canada. I don’t think me being prideful of my race makes me a racist; but others will see differently.
Travon, the election of Barack Obama did more to reveal how far we still have to go than anything else. It showed us who we really are as a nation, and it’s not a pretty sight to see. There is no doubt in my mind that the divisiveness on display in this country, the rise of the religious right, the relentless obstructionism, and the single-minded obsession with removing him from office is deeply rooted in ignorance and fear. Our leaders on the right have forsaken civility and national interest to the cause of removing that uppity black muslim socialist from office. They have skillfully played to the most ignorant and intolerant among us. If there is a silver lining, it is that, in their bold arrogance, they have shown themselves for who they really are. There is little pretense that their agenda is not being driven and supported by powerful religious and corporate interests. We can no longer stand by passively wringing our hands. If all we have are our voices, we must continue to speak out loud and clear.
I agreed that divisiveness, rise of religion rights and obstruction are all showing us that racism still exist in this country despite 50 years of civil rights. As a Afro-American woman, I often wondered what will it take for whites to march the streets against racism, poverty and oppression. Whites are currently marching for Occupy”, all across the country! I believe in order to topple the kingpin on wall street there must be link to toppling racism and therefore providing equal opportunity and access to all Americans no matter what ones ethnicity. I wondered what ‘s its going to takes for whites to recognize their position in the United State as one of privilege and the only way to break out of privilege and corporate domination is to also break down this racist society in a land where all men are created equal with certain inalienable rights. Until whites face this cognitive dissondent and link these two issues, nothing will change. Your thoughts??
I can’t stop the tears as they roll down my cheeks.I can see this dear young man in the photos that play in my mind.Why is fear so easy? Where is curiosity? What instinct dwells in the dark and shadowed parts of our brains causes us to shoot first and ask questions later?Your letter became more real to me when you compared it to a woman being blamed for her own rape.That is the movie that plays in my head every day since it happened to me so many years ago.I too was asked… don’t you think you deserved this,dressed the way you were? The nightmare never fades,it just hides in the dark and waits.When we lost Trayvon,we lost a more than a child.We lost what could have been.We lost a bit of hope.