The University of Michigan Black Student Union is holding a forum on race and a candlelight vigil on Tuesday evening in response to racial tensions sparked by the trial of George Zimmerman.
A crowd of University of Michigan students gathered on the Diag in March 2012 in support of Trayvon Martin.
Chris Asadian | AnnArbor.com file photo
"[Students are] keenly aware of the racial divide brought upon by the killing and subsequent verdict reached by the verdict in the Trayvon Martin case," a press release from the Black Student Union reads.
On Saturday, Zimmerman, who identifies as Hispanic, was found not guilty of second-degree murder. He fatally shot Trayvon Martin, a black teenager, in February 2012 while patrolling for the neighborhood watch in a Florida gated community. Zimmerman contended that Martin posed a threat, although it was discovered Martin did not possess a weapon when he was shot.
The Associated Press reported that vigils were planned for more than 100 cities across the country.
Martin's killing and Zimmerman's subsequent trial sparked a national debate on race.
"It is our hope that once individuals are allowed to exercise their fundamental freedom of expression, that at the end of the day we can bridge the gap and remain united as a student body.” Arnold Reed, a student leader of the Black Student Union, said in the release.
Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.