Trayvon Martin and other Black people unjustly killed by police in the United States
source: The Root
published: 2 March 2026
Image Credit: mohamedhassan at www.FreeRangeStock.com
Over 14 years have passed since 17-year-old Trayvon Martin was gunned down in his own neighborhood in Florida. But while his tragic killing sparked a world-wide movement to protect young Black men and women, we’d be lying if we said there haven’t been other Trayvon Martins, whose murders continue to haunt the Black community.
George Zimmerman’s acquittal marked a dark time for Black Americans, but unfortunately it wouldn’t be the last. Hundreds of Black people have been killed by police, while in custody or simply for the color of their skin. Now, we honoring the lives and legacy of Martin and the other Black victims, who aren’t here to share their stories.
Two years after Trayvon’s death, 18-year-old Michael Brown was shot and killed by police in Ferguson, Mo. According to police testimony, Brown was accused of assaulting officer Darren Wilson and tried to take his weapon. Witness testimony and ballistics told a completely different story. Brown had his hands up when he was shot. His death sparked the global protest chant “Hands up, don’t shoot.” No charges were brought against officer Wilson, according to CBS News.
On Feb. 23, 2020, 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery was jogging in the Brunswick, Ga. area when three white men — Gregory McMichael, his son Travis McMichael and neighbor William Bryan — armed themselves and chased Arbery in a pickup truck.
Bryan followed the father and son in his own vehicle while recording the tragic incident. The men shot and killed Arbery, which prompted hundreds of demonstrations in his memory.
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