for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com july 18, 2013 • The CourieR SUN 11 ZIMMERMAN VERDICT Waves felt from Florida to Queens BY MAGGIE HAYES mhayes@queenscourier.com From television to the streets to social media, people all over the nation — and the borough — are reacting to the not-guilty verdict in the George Zimmerman trial. The trial against Zimmerman in the killing of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin lasted roughly three weeks. In the end, on Saturday, July 13, the defendant was acquitted of second-degree murder based on reasonable doubt. Last year, Zimmerman, a member of the neighborhood watch in his Florida community, said he saw Martin walking at night acting suspiciously. Zimmerman, who was armed, pursued Martin. After an exchange, the details of which took center stage at the trial, Zimmerman shot Martin in what he said was self-defense. Congressmember Gregory Meeks, a former prosecutor, said he understands “in detail” how the criminal justice system works and that no matter the case’s circumstances, “neither the presentation of the evidence or the evidence are always accurate predictors of a jury’s decision.” “Our justice system says we must abide by a jury’s decision,” he said. “But abiding by a jury’s decision does not require that we agree with it.” Similarly, Congressmember Hakeem Jeffries denounced the verdict. “Once again, the court system has failed to deliver justice in a racially-tinged matter that involves the killing of an innocent, unarmed African-American male,” he said. Councilmember Eric Ulrich was one of many who took to Twitter to share their views on the verdict and spoke in favor of the courts. “The Zimmerman verdict is proof that innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt is still the cornerstone of the justice system,” he said. “The rights of the accused cannot be compromised by the court of public opinion. Everyone is entitled to a fair trial.” Ulrich also said he was “extremely disappointed with the amount of race baiting sic and political pandering” on the social media site. Protestors flooded city streets Sunday night following the verdict to express their opposition to the acquittal. State Senator James Sanders held a panel discussion analyzing legal aspects of the trial and events that led to the murder, including how to move forward to “ensure that an injustice like this does not happen again.” Jeffries, Meeks and other elected officials held a press conference on Monday, July 15 to request the Department of Justice consider prosecuting Zimmerman for civil rights violations. The NAACP has called for the same measure. THE COURIER/Photo by Johann Hamilton A string of summer prayer walks kicked off in Rochdale to promote peace in violent communities. COMMUNITY COMES OUT TO PRAY, WALK FOR PEACE BY JOH ANN HAMILTON editorial@queenscourier.com Residents of Queens refuse to take crime in stride. Dozens of New Yorkers gathered in front of Baisley Park in Rochdale to participate in the first of many prayer walks over the summer. The walks are intended to help end violence. Residents from all over the city participated in the program, headed by Reverend Phil Craig of the Greater Springfield Community Church as well as politicians and organizations including the Women’s Committee of the National Action Network and the NYPD’s Explorer program. “We’re going to make this at least an annual event,” Craig said at the Saturday, July 13 rally. “I think this is a really good thing for the community and the community agrees. We’re going to walk around this entire complex and pray for peace.” “There’s too much killing and prostitution,” he added. “We’re gathering here so that we can get Jesus into our communities and get the enemy out.” Saturday’s walk went through Rochdale Village, which Craig explained has seen a high amount of drug-related activity along with prostitution and robberies. Councilmember and public advocate candidate Letitia James also participated in the walk. She came from a similar event in Brownsville, Brooklyn. “If you want to change your life and the lives of others today, then march,” she told the attendees. “March on behalf of children and their mothers. March on behalf of schools, and march so that little boys and girls can know that they can one day be the next president of the borough of Queens, or the United States.” The prayer walks are open to all. No RSVP is required. More info can be found at the Greater Springfield Church’s website, www.greaterspringfieldchurch. org/nan.html. st Place of the Welcome Home. 2013 THE QUEENS QueensCourier.com Why Rent? Today’s Low Rates Won’t Last Forever. 5/1 ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE1 2.63% 3.10APR Purchase or Refinance • Low Down Payment Options • Jumbo Loans We also offer Fixed and other Adjustable Rates Call (866) 811-5515 or visit one of our local branches! % 1Rate information as of 07/08/13. Mortgage rates are subject to change. 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