Ep 1. Stand Your Ground

Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story season 1 episode 1 is titled "Stand Your Ground." The episode dives into the controversial Stand Your Ground law, which became a major topic of discussion following the death of Trayvon Martin, a 17-year-old African American who was fatally shot by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in Sanford, Florida in 2012.

The episode details the events leading up to Trayvon's death, including his visit to his father's girlfriend's house in Sanford and his trip to a nearby convenience store to purchase snacks. As Trayvon made his way back home, Zimmerman, who was patrolling the neighborhood, spotted the teenager and called 911 to report him as a suspicious person.

The episode includes audio recordings of Zimmerman's 911 calls and interviews with law enforcement officials who responded to the scene. It also features interviews with Trayvon's family members, including his mother Sybrina Fulton and his father Tracy Martin.

The episode highlights the controversy surrounding the Stand Your Ground law, which allows individuals to use deadly force if they believe they are in imminent danger. Critics argue that the law promotes vigilantism and puts minority communities at risk. The episode explores how the law came to be and how it has been used in other cases.

As the episode concludes, Trayvon's family members discuss their grief and their desire for justice. They vow to fight for their son and for changes to the Stand Your Ground law.

"Stand Your Ground" sets the stage for the rest of the series, which delves into the aftermath of Trayvon's death and the social and political movements that emerged in response. The episode provides a thought-provoking look at a controversial law and the tragic circumstances that brought it into the national spotlight.