Anti-violence ‘hoodie march’ stepping off in downtown Naperville

A Naperville mom who says she’s compelled to “do something” in the wake of last month’s killing of Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla., has organized a “One For All Hoodie March” Saturday in downtown Naperville.

Kelly Ingram, 34, said she hopes people come out to show support for the family and friends of Martin, but also to send a message that such violence will not be tolerated in Naperville. The march has gained traction since the idea was first floated last week on Facebook.

“Trayvon was an unarmed kid walking in a gated community and he was killed because he was an African-American wearing a (hooded sweatshirt). He needs justice,” she said. “And as a mom, I don’t want to see this happen to my child or anyone else’s children. We need to send that message.”

On Feb. 26, 17-year-old Martin was walking down the street when 28-year-old George Zimmerman, captain of the neighborhood watch, reported Martin as suspicious and shot him.

Florida prosecutors are still sorting out the case and have yet to decide if Zimmerman’s actions are protected by the state’s “Stand Your Ground” law that allows deadly force in self-defense.

Ingram is a white woman who is married to a black man. They have an 11-year-old son.

She said her family encounters racism on a regular basis. She says she hasn’t spoken to her own father since she entered her current relationship because he disagreed with it.

“We get looks from people all the time who don’t agree with our lifestyle. But I can’t change someone’s mind by myself,” she said. “Just last week at the grocery an old white lady looked at my son with disgust because of his skin color. The next day I found out about Trayvon’s whole story and I was inspired to get up and do something.”

She’s asking participants to wear hooded sweatshirts and to make anti-violence signs.

The march is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. in downtown Naperville. Participants will leave from Centennial Beach, and head east on Jackson Avenue, north on Washington Street, west on Hillside Avenue and back south on Webster Street.

“I don’t care if 10 people come out and march with my friends and family or if 10,000 decide to stand up for what’s right and come out,” she said. “Either way we will send our message.”