Protesters gather for nationwide rallies for Trayvon Martin

SEATTLE — A week after a jury of six women found George Zimmerman not guilty in the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, many people gathered Saturday for vigil rallies across the nation, including one in Seattle.

Organizers said the rallies are taking place in 100 cities across the country as a call to action. The event will lead up to an Aug. 24 march in Washington D.C., which will focus on Martin and the voting rights act.

Seattle’s rally started in downtown at the Federal Courthouse on Seventh Avenue and Stewart Street, and is scheduled to end with a march to Pratt Park.

Cedric Turner, Martin’s cousin, is expected to speak during the vigil.

Those who attended the rally were encouraged to bring hoodies, Skittles, ice tea, signs and candles. Martin was wearing a hoodie and was carrying Skittles and a can of iced tea in his pocket the night he died.

KIRO