CHARLOTTE, N.C. — More than 500 people filled Marshall Park Thursday demanding justice for Trayvon Martin.
The rally was initially billed a "hoodie march" but due to the warm weather, most in the crowd simply wore T-shirts with Martin's name and face printed on them.
"We're trying to stand up for justice and for Trayvon Martin," said Coretta Livingston. "Somebody's got to do something about this matter because if they don't do anything about Trayvon, it's going to Davon or John or Sammy next."
Several of the protesters referred to that same sense of personal reflection and fear that Martin's death has caused in Charlotte, across the U.S. and worldwide.
The 17-year-old was shot to death by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch leader, who described Martin as looking "suspicious," before he shot and killed the unarmed teen.
Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Patrick Cannon said Martin's story doesn't highlight a "black issue," but rather a "human issue." Other speakers preached awareness and activism to ensure cases like Martin's aren't forgotten and don't happen again.
"You're standing here in the words of Martin Luther King," radio personality NoLimit Larry told the crowd.
NoLimit Larry said that although the shooting happened 500 miles away in Florida, "Martin Luther King said injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."