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GREENBURGH, N.Y. Woodlands High School students donned their hoodies and joined a swell of protests around the country in response to the shooting death of Florida teen Trayvon Martin.
Dozens of students and staff had their hoods up Wednesday while members of the senior class sold Skittles and Arizona Iced Tea outside the cafeteria in a show of support.
Woodlands High School senior and organizer of Hood Day, Samuel Washington III, said the day was an attempt to honor the slain teen and speak out against what he called an injustice.
We wanted to do this in his memory, said Washington, who also serves as president of the NAACP Youth Bureau at the school. It could have been anybody.
Protesters around the county have taken a stand after Martin was shot and killed in February by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer. Zimmerman has not been charged in the shooting, claiming he fired in self-defense after Martin jumped him.
The 17-year old was wearing a hooded sweatshirt at the time of his death and the piece of clothing has since become a symbol of protest. Activists have also used Skittles and iced tea, the snacks Martin had bought as he was on his way home, as a platform for their message.
Standing outside the Woodlands cafeteria in his black hoodie, freshman Ross Joseph said the students wanted to show solidarity and be heard.
What happened was tragic, Joseph said. We need to have a voice and we need to speak out about this.
Woodlands High School wasn't alone Wednesday in showing its support for Martin. Students at White Plains High School also took part in Hood Day.
Greenburgh High School Principal and Interim Superintendent Ronald Ross said he was pleased to see the students take notice of the issue and respond in the way they did.
Its good to see young people talking about social justice issues, said Ross, who joined the students by wearing an orange hoodie. The kids are getting involved. Thats exciting. Thats good.
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