Smithsonian Museum Seeks Trayvon Hoodie for Permanent Display
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture wants to acquire the hoodie Trayvon Martin wore the night he was shot and killed by George Zimmerman for its permanent collection.
The hoodie became an international symbol in "Justice for Trayvon" rallies and social media campaigns to support the teen and his family before and during the trial for his murder. George Zimmerman was acquitted of second-degree murder charges in July.
"It's rare that you get one artifact that really becomes the symbol," Lonnie Bunch, director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture told the Washington Post. "Because it's such a symbol, it would allow you to talk about race in the age of Obama."
Prosecutors brought the gray hooded sweatshirt in as evidence during the trial. The U.S. Department of Justice currently has the hoodie, as they investigate the case for civil rights violations.
The National Museum of African American Museum will open in 2015 in Washington, D.C.
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(Photo: Gary W. Green/Orlando Sentinel)