Hundreds of Pacific Northwest residents marched and rallied last weekend after the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the killing of Trayvon Martin, and more demonstrations are planned around the nation this Saturday.

In the Portland area on Monday, The Skanner News Multimedia Editor Helen Silvis asked local residents for their impressions of the Zimmerman verdict. (Go to The Skanner News Youtube channel to watch the whole series of interviews).



Meanwhile, at least one local organization, Self Enhancement Inc. in Portland, is planning an educational event for young people to learn more about their legal rights.

And Saturday, July 20, events are planned in Portland and Seattle as part of a national Justice for Trayvon Day of Action called by Rev. Al Sharpton in 100 cities.

In Seattle the No New Jim Crow Coalition rallies at noon at the US District Court, 700 Stewart Street.

In Portland, the Campaign to End the New Jim Crow  is calling for people to gather on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Hatfield Federal Courthouse, Southwest 3rd and Main.
Later in the evening another event is planned. A vigil will take place at Unthank Park from 9-10pm. We are encouraging those in attendance to bring a candle(s) and to wear a hoodie.

In Seattle this week, an estimated 30 radical activists wore hoodies to a rally at Seattle Central Community College Monday night, while about 100 parishioners attended a Wednesday prayer vigil called by the United Black Christian Clergy in the Central District.