Not enough people appeared to be talking about Trayvon Martin’s death and the circumstances surrounding it, MU law professor David Mitchell said.
George Zimmerman, 26, confessed to killing Martin, 17, in his neighborhood. Since then, Martin’s death has been talked about nationwide in classrooms and at dinner tables. Zimmerman has been released from jail on bond.
Mitchell, an associate professor of law at MU specializing in critical race theory, said he wanted to localize the discussion.
Mitchell helped lead an open forum with the local community regarding the impact of the case. The program, “Implications of the Death of Trayvon Martin,” addressed the psychological, legal and media perspectives of the case.
The idea for the forum came from a law student approaching Mitchell about the impact Martin’s death, as well as the ensuing media coverage, had on him as a student. Mitchell said the student thought the case might have been on a lot of people’s minds and would be good to talk about.
“I felt if it was at least bothering this one particular student, then I’m sure there were other students who were also troubled by it and also wanted to talk about it and engage in a dialogue,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell said the case immediately grabbed his attention as soon as it gained traction nationwide.
“My initial reaction, knowing nothing more than the simple facts, was ‘Here we go again,’” Mitchell said. “For me, the first thing that popped up in my mind was of the others who had been killed while unarmed, like Emmett Till and the response of black parents in giving the talk.”
Missouri Students Association President Xavier Billingsley is also planning an event of his own. “Beyond the Hoodie,” which will be held May 2, will facilitate a dialogue regarding prejudice nationwide, according to the event’s website.
“(The panel) is a discussion focusing on how to stop the issues,” Billingsley said. “It’s a student perspective on how to end racial stereotyping.”
In his segment on Fox News, commentator Geraldo Rivera said Martin shouldn’t have been wearing a hoodie if he did not want to get in trouble. During his monthly video address to students in April, Billingsley referenced the Martin case by wearing a hoodie. Billingsley pulled the hood over his head, illustrating the appearance Martin had at the time of his death.
Billingsley said it is important for college campuses to discuss the Martin case even two months after Martin’s death, because of the confusion surrounding the teen’s murder.
“It’s really about how we can end racial, gender and religious stereotypes on our campus,” Billingsley said. “I think it is just so needed.”
Since becoming MSA President in January, Billingsley has worked to address diversity issues at MU through the One Mizzou program and other student-led initiatives.
“This is something that we can’t ignore anymore,” Billingsley said. “It’s something that happens in many places and if we don’t address it, it will get worse.”