Thursday, March 29, 2012

While Trayvon Martin’s mother accused authorities of smearing her son, her lawyer revealed that she’s moved to trademark slogans that have been popularized amid the outcry over his killing

Sybrina Fulton, the slain teen’s mother, has sought to trademark two phrases: “Justice for Trayvon” and “I Am Trayvon,” attorney Kimra Major-Morris confirmed in an email. The two sayings have become like rallying cries since the 17-year-old was shot to death during an encounter with Hispanic neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in Sanford, Florida. The shooting of the black teen has sparked a national firestorm over race, gun rights and a Florida law that says a person has no duty to retreat once attacked — as Zimmerman insists was the case. The trademark applications said the catch phrases could be used on DVDs and CDs. News of the trademark applications came as Fulton joined with civil rights leaders in accusing the Sanford police department of leaking information about Trayvon’s background in a bid to sully the teen and justify its decision not to charge Zimmerman. Trayvon once got suspended from school after being caught with an empty marijuana baggie. He received another suspension after he was found to be carrying women’s jewelry and a screwdriver that was deemed a possible burglary tool. While the feds continue to investigate the case, the controversy, and media attention it has generated, have fueled online sales of Trayvon-related merchandise.

No comments: