Part of Al Sharpton-organized national vigil in 100 cities
Photo for Headline Surfer / Greater Friendship Baptist Church Senior Pastor L. Ronald Durham is leading a local rally in the wake iof the George Zimmerman not-guilty verdict on Saturday in front of the 5th District Court of Appeal.DAYTONA BEACH -- A local black pastor said he and other clergymen are following the Rev. Al Sharpton's request for a "Justice for Trayvon National Day of Action Vigils in 100 Cities" this Saturday in front of federal court buildings. The rally is to begin at noon.Because there are no federal court buildings in Daytona Beach, the Rev. L. Ronald Durham said he and other locals will meet in front of the 5th District Court of Appeal, 300 S. Beach St.
The vigils, taking place in 100 cities, will be a call to action pushing for federal charges for Violation of Trayvon's Civil Rights, against George Zimmerman leading up to an Aug. 24 March on Washington, Durham said. "We are calling for pastors across the nation to organize a "Justice for Trayvon" National Day of Action Vigil in your city if you have a federal court or building," Durham said.
Durham added, repewating the mantra of the Rev. Al Sharpton: "If you are not a pastor, please contact your pastor now to get something started in your city. Once you have decided to join the movement go to the National Action Network website, and register your city, and the address of the rally, which will help promote your location nationally and get more people there."
Durham made the announcement on his Facebook page after posting the following on his Facebook page Sunday night: "I'm on a national conference call right now with Rev. Al Sharpton, and dozens of ministers discussing the next steps after the verdict in the Trayvon Martin trial."
Durham said he had the "great privilege" to meet both Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin in January, when they came to Daytona Beach, when the inaugural Trayvon Martin scholarship was given in his honor, by the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration for Florida Inc., of which he was president.
"There is not a family with any more class and dignity than this one," Durham said. "Tonight like many of you my heart is broken for them, and what they had to hear, when six women decided that George Zimmerman had the right to profile, follow, and confront an unarmed 17-year-old boy. Then take it upon himself to end his life."
Durham continued: "We respect the court, but at the same time, we are disappointed with the decision. Stay calm everyone. The jury made its decision, but ultimately, God will make the final decision and verdict and his judgement will be just."
Durham continued: "We respect the court, but at the same time, we are disappointed with the decision. Stay calm everyone. The jury made its decision, but ultimately, God will make the final decision and verdict and his judgement will be just."
Headline Surfer videos produced by Serafina Frederick / Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martion, parents of slain teen Trayvon Martin, were guests of honor at the MLK dinner in Daytona Beach earlier this year.