In the wake of the death of young Trayvon Martin, the city of Columbus in Georgia was among 100 cities nationwide that rallied for justice on July 20. Neither rain nor heat was enough to keep hundreds of people from gathering at the Consolidated Government Building to support their community leaders and receive inspiration and motivation to ignite change for the current “Stand Your Ground Laws.”

Georgia supports a castle doctrine or law that essentially gives people the right to protect themselves with deadly force. The meaning of self-defense is different for each state that recognizes this law. What might be considered grounds for murder in one state just may turn out to be protecting one’s self interest in another. In the case of John White on August 9, 2006 in Long Island, NY the law failed.

The city leaders in Columbus, GA not only disagree with the George Zimmerman verdict but also disagree with the way the laws seemingly fail the African American community across the board. They are pushing to see the laws repealed so that there is true equality for all people of all races. In addition, the city leaders want to see significant growth in the number of registered voters and more organization within the African American community.  They are calling for a call-to-action.

Edward DuBose, NAACP Georgia State Conference President spoke at the rally.