“When Trayvon Martin happened…” a white nationalist said when asked how he got involved in his movement at the Charlottesville rally.

Strange because Trayvon Martin is the main reason I believe in black lives matter so strongly. An innocent 17 year old was murdered by a 28 year old “civilian” while walking through the wrong neighborhood. The murderer got off free due to a self defense law established in Florida called “stand your ground”

I remember hearing about the story through the mother’s pleas for justice. I cried with her. I believed that everyone watching would feel and understand the pain of her loss. That this child’s life being lost before he was able to fully be an adult would resonate with everyone regardless of race. Little did I know that the blood spilled that day would divide us once again into two sides. black/white/thug/kid/innocent/guilty.

While the two sides fight against each other through the ages, I hope that Trayvon rests peacefully. I want him to know that there are people who still think of him and grieve over him and seek justice in his name…in God’s name.

Happy Birthday, Trayvon.