Press Releases

April 20, 2012

Rev. Jesse Jackson Responds to George Zimmerman’s $150,000 Bail for Trayvon Martin Killing

WHO: Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., founder and president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition; local ministers; the family of Rekia Boyd, the Chicago teen shot by an off-duty police officer; the family of Stephon Watts; the Calumet City teen who suffered from Autism and was shot and killed by police

WHAT: PRESS CONFERENCE

WHERE:  Rainbow PUSH Coalition Headquarters
              930 E. 50th Street
              Chicago, IL 60615

WHEN: Friday, April 20, 2012 at 1:00 PM

WHY: Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. founder and president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition will respond to the latest news in the Trayvon Martin case. 

A Florida judge on Friday set George Zimmerman’s bail at $150,000 and imposed restrictions on Mr. Zimmerman’s release from jail.

“We are disappointed that the bond was set so low”, said Rev. Jackson.  “Tomorrow Mr. Zimmerman’s freedom will be restored.  This decision cheapens black life. Justice should serve as a deterrent.  The U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI must play a critical role in this matter because this is a Civil Rights case.  Racial profiling and killings have become a national pattern.”

In setting bail, the judge, Kenneth R. Lester Jr., said that Mr. Zimmerman could have no contact with Mr. Martin’s family and no access to alcohol or firearms and that his movements would be monitored electronically. Judge Lester also set a curfew that would require Mr. Zimmerman to remain at home from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. and require him check in with the authorities every three days.

The Rainbow PUSH Coalition is a progressive organization devoted to protecting, defending and expanding civil rights to improve economic and educational opportunity. The organization is headquartered at 930 E. 50th St. in Chicago. To learn more, please visitwww.rainbowpush.org or call (773) 373-3366. To arrange an interview with Rev. Jackson, please call the numbers listed above.
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