Around 250 people, including De Anza College students, faculty, and staff gathered April 12 at the Freedom Stage on campus, remembering Trayvon Martin.

The unarmed Martin, a 17-year-old African-American male, was fatally shot and killed by neighbor George Zimmerman on the grounds that he looked “suspicious” on his way home in Stanford, Fla. on Feb. 26. 

At 11:15 a.m. April 12, those at the Freedom Stage were asked to pull up their hoodies to have five minutes of silence. Following the hoodie flash mob, a crowd of around 200 attended a community conversation supported by speech department instructor Donna Stasio, and student facilitators to engage in a dialogue on what can be learned from Martin’s case, and how wounds inflicted by racial discrimination can heal. 

“What I take from this event is that in order to advance the cause of my people, I have to know about others, advocate for them as well, hold true to the rule, and treat others the way I want to be treated,” said Yonatan Seleshi, majoring in urban studies and planning.

Edmundo Norte, dean of Intercultural and International Studies, led a special presentation on compassionate communication. Small groups were formed and given two questions to ponder and then share personal experiences based on race and ethnicity. 

“I would like all of us to become more aware and educated about our own cultures first, and then about other cultures. I say this because I feel that the only way to stop others’ ignorance is to educate,” said Sonaly Couvertier, nursing major. “How can you educate someone when you yourself do not know?” 

HOODS UP! – Alicia Allen, 19, and Marcel Allen, 20, remember Trayvon Martin with homemade signs on April 12.

HOODIE FLASH MOB – Students flip up their hoods and observe a moment of silence in memory of Trayvon Martin.