Ep 3. Justice for George

In episode 3 of "Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story," titled "Justice for George," the focus shifts to the aftermath of George Zimmerman's acquittal and the ensuing protests across the United States. The episode starts off with a recap of the trial and the reactions of Trayvon Martin's family and supporters to the verdict. Then, it delves into how the verdict galvanized a movement and sparked a national dialogue about racial profiling, police brutality, and the justice system.

We see how Trayvon's parents, Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, became vocal advocates for social justice and police reform, traveling around the country to speak out against gun violence and racial injustice. They also formed the Trayvon Martin Foundation, which provides support for families who have lost a child to gun violence. We hear from some of the other families they've worked with, including Michael Brown's parents, who describe how the Trayvon Martin case inspired them to get involved in activism.

The episode also features interviews with attorneys who worked on the Trayvon Martin case, including Benjamin Crump, who represented the Martin family, and Mark O'Mara, Zimmerman's defense attorney. They reflect on the trial and the impact it had on their own lives and careers.

As the episode progresses, we see how Trayvon Martin's death and George Zimmerman's acquittal ignited a wave of protests and rallies in cities across the United States, with people taking to the streets to demand justice for Trayvon and for other victims of police brutality. The episode explores some of the most iconic moments from these protests, including the hoodie rallies and the Million Hoodie March in New York City.

One of the key themes of the episode is the role of social media in the Trayvon Martin case and the wider conversation about racial justice. We hear from journalist Trymaine Lee, who covered the case extensively for HuffPost and witnessed firsthand how social media brought the story to a wider audience and helped mobilize activists. We also hear from social media activists like Deray McKesson and Johnetta Elzie, who used Twitter and other platforms to organize protests, share information, and raise awareness about police violence.

The episode ends with a look at some of the policy changes and reforms that have come about as a result of the Trayvon Martin case and other high-profile cases of police brutality. We see how the Black Lives Matter movement has evolved in the years since Trayvon's death, with activists pushing for changes to policing practices, sentencing laws, and other aspects of the criminal justice system. We also hear from some of Trayvon Martin's friends and classmates, who remember him as a fun-loving, caring person who always stood up for what he believed in.

Overall, "Justice for George" is a powerful and emotional episode that shines a light on the impact of Trayvon Martin's death and the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in the Trayvon Martin case, the Black Lives Matter movement, or the larger social and political issues at play.