It's been a little over a month since a not-guilty verdict was handed down by a Florida court in the case of George Zimmerman and the death of seventeen-year-old Trayvon Martin last year. The media coverage quickly devolved into a circus of name-calling and finger-pointing. Though the Florida court and the Department of Justice both agreed that race was not a factor in the case, it continues to be portrayed as such.
Earlier today a local history teacher began talking about the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s March on Washington, as well she should. However, she effectively dug herself in a trench by comparing Dr. King with Trayvon Martin, the young man that was killed early last year after engaging in a fight with George Zimmerman.
Was it right of her to bring up the 50th anniversary? Yes. Was it relevant? Yes. It was a brilliant moment in American history, and all Americans regardless of race, political affiliation, or anything else, can admire Dr. King. But was it right of her to bring up a highly debated court decision in the context of such a great man? No, I don't think so.
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