UM Students Support Trayvon Martin in Million Hoodies Rally

In response to the currently unfolding Trayvon Martin case, University of Montana students gathered recently in support by donning jeans, a hoodie, iced tea and Skittles to take part in the nationwide Million Hoodies Rally.

Tanisha Mercedes, a student at the UM organized a local demonstration on campus yesterday outside the UC Center attempting to find justice for the unarmed 17-year-old slain by a neighborhood watch volunteer.

The case of Trayvon Martin, an African American teenager who was on his way to a family friend's house on the outskirts of Orlando when he was gunned down in February, has set Americans abuzz over racial injustice: His assailant, 26-year-old George Zimmerman, has not been detained by authorities.

The Million Hoodie March is a movement to focus on Martin's story and the justice system's treatment of victims of different backgrounds and races. Los Angeles has already been the site of rallies for Martin, including one over the weekend. The Million Hoodie March refers to the victim's hooded sweatshirt, which Geraldo Rivera suggested last week could be the source of trouble for any American teenager.

Zimmerman had a history of calling 911, and in the case of Martin, he appeared to chase down the kid as he talked to a 911 operator who told him to stop. Commotion ensued, and then gunfire. Zimmerman claimed self defense and cops, apparently, believed him.

Martin had gone to the store for Skittles and a beverage. Zimmerman said he was "suspicious."

Mercedes said in a recent post on Facebook: "Even from out here in Montana, our words can be heard. Spreading the information about the case will let it be known that its not about race, its about humanity."