Zimmerman verdict protesters block traffic on Houston highway

By Mike Glenn | July 15, 2013 | Updated: July 15, 2013 11:24pm



Photo By Eric Kayne/For the Chronicle 1 of 2 Protesters stop traffic on Texas 288 Monday, above, as activist Quanell X, at right, and local community leaders and hip-hop stars lead a protest that began at the Byrd Funeral Home on Wheeler.

Hundreds of Houston residents marched Monday to protest the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the Trayvon Martin shooting - at one point blocking traffic along a section of the South Freeway.

"Our motto today is: We're fired up and we're not going to take it anymore," said community activist Quanell X.

The rally began about 7 p.m. at Byrd Funeral Home, 2517 Wheeler, near the campus of Texas Southern University.

Organizers said that location was picked for a reason.
"This is where they wish to send young black men - to the funeral home," Quanell X said.

It was a dramatic theme that was repeated along the march route with protesters solemnly pushing a casket behind a hearse.

Bianca Fisher said she wasn't particularly surprised that the jury set Zimmerman free.

"The mission of the judicial system is to enslave black people," she said.

Benita Gordon brought her son, Devon, to the protest, which lasted about 90 minutes.

"We're walking tonight for Trayvon," she said. "We need fair rules all the way around."

Marchers shut down southbound traffic along Texas 288 at Southmore for about 10-15 minutes. No police were seen. The crowds allowed an ambulance to pass, but other motorists were forced to wait.

"It's civil disobedience. The people are angry and have a right to be angry," Quanell X said.

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