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By Helen Silvis of The Skanner News
Published: 21 July 2013


SEE more of the Photos larger on Flickr here.

This was the third rally to be held in Portland, Ore., to protest the acquittal of George Zimmerman, in the shooting of Trayvon Martin, in Sanford Florida.  About 250 people rallied in support of Martin's parents, to protest the verdict and to demand action for civil rights.

Portland was one of a hundred cities that turned out Saturday in response to a call from Rev. Al Sharpton. Two other rallies were held last weekend in Peninsula Park in North Portland-- the first Saturday evening immediately after the rally; the second on Sunday, which attracted a big crowd.

  This Saturday the march was peaceful, but energetic with upbeat clapping and chants being picked up by the crowd. "Hey Hey, Ho Ho racial profiling has got to go," was just one. JoAnn Hardesty, one of the organizers of the event and a founder member of the Campaign Against the New Jim Crow, Fred Bryant, father of Keaton Otis who was shot by Portland police after being pulled over for a traffic infraction.

Hardesty asked the group to "surround him with love," for having the courage to come forward with Keaton's story and to speak out about racial profiling.

Other speakers included: Rev. Dr. Leroy Haines; Jamie Partridge; and many more…

President Obama's speech on racial profiling was welcomed as the beginning of a movement to demand attention to civil rights issues, particularly in the justice system. 

Speakers urged those present to remember Trayvon Martin through  sending support to, working to racial profiling and statistics, such as the high poverty rates in communities of color.

A candlelight vigil also was planned for Unthank Park at 9 p.m.

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