Activist: Martin case part of larger issue

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A nationally known activist in Indianapolis for events weighed in on the continuing saga of Trayvon Martin's fatal shooting in Florida.

Jeff Johnson is a political activist and strategist. He touches on topics ranging from race relations to education. Johnson’s insight has been seen on national television and in publications, and he's written books.

Thursday afternoon, he addressed a group of Ben Davis High School students. After the hour discussion 24-Hour News 8 asked Johnson about the Martin case.

“The question is not about this case," he said. "The question is: Will this case be the catalyst for people to care more than just about this case?”

One month ago, hundreds of Hoosiers marched through downtown Indianapolis to put the spotlight on the case. Johnson said that the marches and discussions - which took place around the country - are great, but he’s challenging people to do more.

“If we get hyped up just about Trayvon, and not understand that police departments are mismanaging how they handle on-scene activity, and that attorneys are not deciding to prosecute when they should prosecute all over the country every single day, then we have lost the moment to embrace the humanity of every single citizen in this country,” he said

Johnson is scheduled to speak again at 7 p.m. Thursday evening at the Madam CJ Walker Theater. Tickets are $20 at the door.