Description
Trayvon Martin was tragically killed in Sanford, Florida, and his death became a symbol of the systemic issues surrounding race, justice, and gun laws in America. His killer was acquitted under the state’s controversial Stand Your Ground statute, which, like laws governing police actions, often justifies violence based on a “perceived threat.” These perceived threats are deeply influenced by an individual’s intrinsic biases—both conscious and subconscious—highlighting the racial disparities inherent in such defenses.
During my research for this postcard, I was struck by Sanford’s troubling history, including past Ku Klux Klan marches, one of which protested Jackie Robinson’s participation in baseball. This legacy of racial tension adds another layer of poignancy to Trayvon’s story.
Amid this exploration, the tragic school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas (MSD) High School occurred. I was deeply inspired by the students who courageously organized and stood up against the powerful gun lobby. Their activism broadened the conversation about violence to include the disproportionate impact on young people, particularly those of color.
Moved by these connections, I decided to include Trayvon Martin as an honorary MSD student on this postcard. His inclusion symbolizes the unity of these struggles and honors his life as part of the broader fight against gun violence and racial injustice.
