Tristiana Hinton, special to wtop.com

WASHINGTON – A large crowd wearing hooded sweatshirts and holding packs of Skittles candy gathered at the steps of the Wilson building to demand justice for the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.

Protesters were outraged that the Florida teen’s alleged shooter, George Zimmerman, has not been arrested.

Chants echoed for blocks: “We are Trayvon” and “Skittles, iced tea are not suspicious to me.” Emotions ran high as speakers addressed the crowd.

“We’ve got to continue to turn out day after day until there’s justice for Trayvon Martin and so that there’s justice for every man and woman and child in our society,” said Rev. Graylan Hagler.

The rally brought together people of all races and ages. It was a moment to honor the young man’s life and show support for his family.

“Every single person here can represent Trayvon Martin’s family,” said one of the women who organized the event.

That idea resonated with many attendees. One mom, dressed in a black hooded sweatshirt, expressed the importance of sharing the rally with her own children.

“I have two sons,” she said. “My oldest is 10 and I’m trying to instill in him the importance of incidents such as these.”

The impact of Martin’s shooting has been felt across the country. Rallies were also planned in Chicago, Dallas and Seattle among other cities. Many Freedom Plaza rally goers felt Martin’s death could be a positive turning point in the national debate about race.

“I just think that he’s a martyr because he’s doing so much more in death than he ever probably could have done in life,” said an attendee.

After a moment of silence, Rev. Tony Lee said he hoped Martin’s killing brings about change.

“May his death and his life never be in vain,” he said.

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