Politics

Rep. James Clyburn dons a hoodie at Trayvon Martin rally

Caroline May Reporter
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South Carolina Democrat Rep. James Clyburn rallied for slain teen Trayvon Martin on the steps of the South Carolina State House Saturday wearing a hoodie, according to WLTX reporter Jasmine Styles.

The hooded sweatshirt, or hoodie, has become a symbol of support for Martin who was wearing one on the night he was shot and killed by neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman. Zimmerman was acquitted of murder charges by a jury last weekend.

Thursday, Clyburn, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, spoke about his and the CBC’s disappointment in the verdict with MSNBC.

“We’re very disappointed in the verdict, and more disappointed in some of the reactions we’ve read from some of the jurors. It just seems as if something about this entire process is just disconcerting to us,” he said.

“So we are looking at the verdict as well as other thing surrounding it, and trying to figure out whether or not this whole so-called Stand Your Ground legislation or law can be dealt with in such a way to prevent this kind of the thing from happening. And we hope that we can,” he added

The CBC is currently readying legislation in response to Zimmerman’s acquittal.

Last March, Illinois Democrat Rep. Bobby Rush was chastised for violating chamber rules when he wore a hoodie during a speech on the House floor.

“Racial profiling has to stop, Mr. Speaker,” Rush said, just before pulling up his hood. “Just because someone wears a hoodie does not make them a hoodlum.”

Martin supporters are expected to rally and conduct vigils across the country Saturday in a show of support for the Martin family and in a bid to encourage federal charges to be brought against Zimmerman.

Pictures of the crowd in South Carolina via Styles:

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