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Trayvon Martin’s name is one that will not soon be forgotten and
Jay Z has plans to ensure that Martin’s story will go down in history. The Weinstein Company and Jay Z have confirmed that will join forces to produce a six-part documentary television series and a film about Martin’s life.
Trayvon Martin, an unarmed 17-year old, was famously killed by a neighborhood volunteer named George Zimmerman in 2012. Following the court’s ruling to acquit Zimmerman of second degree murder charges and manslaughter, the public was overwhelmed with feelings of racial injustice and took to the streets in protest. The case provoked a larger national debate and opened discussions about racial profiling and police brutality.
The adaptations of Martin’s life will be heavily based on two books, “Suspicion Nation: The Inside Story of the Trayvon Martin Injustice and Why We Continue to Repeat It” and “Rest in Power: The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin,” both of which Jay Z has recently required the rights to use.
This is not Jay Z’s first contribution to social justice regarding racial equality. Both he and his wife Beyonce participated in a rally for Trayvon Martin in New York and his music streaming company Tidal donated $1.5 million to Black Lives Matter related causes. On his new project, Jay Z says, "His death is here to teach us to save a generation of kids . . . It's hard to watch, but important to see."
Alanna Shingler Staff Reporter