Dear friends,

The fatal February shooting of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin has produced a firestorm of protest across the country, including here in Richmond.

As a follow-up to organizing the 300-strong March 22 vigil at Richmond's African Burial Ground and supporting the 700-strong March 26 vigil at VCU, the Defenders are honored to host longtime human rights activist Ajamu Baraka, founder of the U.S. Human Rights Network, who will be speaking on the case of Trayvon Martin in the context of the deepening political and social crisis in the United States. (Please see the attached bio.)

The presentation will take place at the Defenders' regular monthly meeting: 7-9 pm, Monday, April 2, at the William Byrd Community House, 224 S. Cherry St. (just south of VCU). If you have questions please call 804-644-5834. DO NOT CALL William Byrd, they are the host site, not the organizers of this meeting)

We are inviting our friends and allies to join us at this event, especially those Occupy Richmond, Occupy the Hood and the developing campaign for Justice for Trayvon Martin.

We will also have a special report on the March 23-25 conference of the United National Antiwar Coalition in Stamford, Conn., at which the Defenders presented workshops on Black leadership in the anti-war movement, and the threat of a new war, this time with Iran.

Hope to see you there!