Speed of Life

by Gregg Chadwick Sometimes an image can cut through ignorance and provide a context for understanding and empathy. Today two photos from the more than 100 Justice for Trayvon Martin Rallies across the country struck me deeply: Black Life Matters from #JusticeforTrayvon Rally, July 20, 2013 in Atlanta Georgia photo via @ajc and @thinkprogress I Am Not A Suspect from  #JusticeforTrayvon Rally, July 20, 2013 in New York City

President Obama's Remarks About the Killing of Florida Teenager Trayvon Martin and "Stand Your Ground" Laws on Friday, July 19, 2013 at the White House ( full transcript and video) The reason I actually wanted to come out today is not to take questions, but to speak to an issue that obviously has gotten a lot of attention over the course of the last week, the issue of the Trayvon Martin ruling. I gave a preliminary statement right after the ruling on Sunday, but watching the debate over the course of the last week I thought it might be useful for me to expand on my thoughts a little bit. First of all, you know,  I want to make sure that, once again, I send my thoughts and prayers, as well as Michelle’s, to the family of Trayvon Martin, and to remark on the incredible grace and dignity with which they have dealt with the entire situation. I can only imagine what they’re going through, and it’s remarkable how they’ve handled it. The second thing I ...

A moving tribute to Trayvon Martin by Minneapolis based recording duo Zone Fwey. Listen Here: More at: Zone Fwey

by Gregg Chadwick As a father I can only imagine the pain of Trayvon Martin's parents. My son is 17, the same age as the teenager Trayvon Martin  who was pursued and shot over one month ago  in Sanford, Florida by "neighborhood watch" member George Zimmerman, reportedly because Trayvon's hoodie made him look suspicious. My son was accepted into college by my undergrad and graduate alma maters this week and we celebrated over dinner, but we couldn't help but think of Trayvon and his family.  In the weeks before his death, Trayvon was planning for college - just a typical junior in high school worrying about his future. A screenshot of Trayvon’s Gmail inbox provided to news sources is heartbreaking. Martin apparently used his Gmail account for his college search, and it’s filled with emails about upcoming SAT tests and scholarship applications. One of the emails reads: “Trayvon, now is the best time to take the SATs!” Holiday Photo of Trayvon Martin Pro...