Solange Knowles leads protest at George Zimmerman not guilty verdict

Solange Knowles held a rally on Sunday afternoon in New York following a not guilty verdict in a case that shook America.

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by Kristina Teodorovic |
Published on

There was shock and outrage on Saturday when George Zimmerman, a neighbourhood watch volunteer was found not guilty of second-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.

In spite of the prosecutions efforts to portray George Zimmerman as an angry vigilante, the six-woman jury accepted the defence’s argument that he was acting in self-defense when he shot Trayvon in February 2012.

Solange Knowles speaking at the rally in New York on Sunday
Solange Knowles speaking at the rally in New York on Sunday

The verdict was reached after more than 16 hours of deliberation following conflicting testimony’s from witnesses about whose screams where heard on the recorded 911 call.

Holding a plaque quoting the words of human rights activist Malcolm X ‘'I'm for truth, no matter who tells it. I'm for justice, no matter who it's for or against', Solange Knowles spoke out against the verdict in the peaceful rally in New York on Sunday afternoon.

Solange Knowles holding the plaque quoting the words of Malcolm X

This was just a start to a long journey of justice and equality

The 27-year-old remained calm while speaking to the crowd about injustice and took to Twitter after to thank the hundreds of people who turned out to show their support.

‘Thank you to everyone who came out to support Bklyn (Brooklyn) 4 (for) Trayvon rally! This was just a start to a long journey of justice and equality!,’ she tweeted.

Adding: ‘Seeing & gathering with people today/tonight all for the same fight helped to restore my faith in humanity.’

Beyonce performing at the Chime For Change concert in London last month

Solange’s big sister, Beyonce asked fans for a moment of silence in honour of Trayvon Martin during her Mrs Carter Show World Tour concert in Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday, telling the crowd:

‘I’d like to have a moment of silence for Trayvon,’ before breaking into the chorus of ‘I Will Always Love You’.

The Knowles sisters join the dozen other celebrities who voiced their opposition about the decision on Twitter.

See what they had to say below:

‘And our taxes paid for that trial. We just paid to see a murderer walk free after killing an innocent unarmed little boy. #GodBlessAmerica’ - Nicki Minaj

‘This is the saddest news ever!!! #whatsjustice #pray4theMartinFamily’ – Rihanna

‘I feel sick. #RipTrayvonMartin’ – Miley Cyrus

‘My heart goes out to Trayvon Martin's family & loved ones. Thought & prayers being sent their way #NoJustice’ – Kim Kardashian

‘No. My heart is with Sybrina Fulton, Rachel Jeantel, everyone who loved Trayvon and has been sent the message that his life didn't matter.’ – Lena Dunham

‘There are black people in prison serving 10 to 20years for petty drug crimes...and zimmerman walks for killing a younge black man??? #ouch’ – Will.i.am

‘I have no words for the verdict. But I know God is in charge. No words.’ – Keri Hilson

‘The wind is more than knocked out of me... My heart aches for this boy's family. Justice System? I don't think so. #justicefortrayvon’ – Sophia Bush

‘I feel sick. This has to be a call to action. We must participate in the political process and demand the justice system we ALL deserve.’ – Olivia Wilde

‘Leave it in GOD's hands. - http://bit.ly/1aCLhmh #JusticeForTrayvon’ - Diddy

‘Stop saying the system needs 2 change and JUST CHANGE IT, ppl. YOUR vote matters.Midterm elections! Show up for TrayvonMartin & OscarGrant’ – Octavia Spencer

‘Prayers to the Martin family. #TrayvonMartin will forever live in the heart of @thefyfl!!!… http://instagram.com/p/buxVqVPtRg/’- Flo Rida

‘RIP Trayvon Martin.’ – Piers Morgan

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