News Harris-Stowe State University For Immediate Release Contact: Courtney McCall (314) 340-3391 mccallc@hssu.edu Harris-Stowe to Honor Trayvon Martin with Student Empowerment Rally ST. LOUIS, MO (March 27, 2012) - A little more than 30 days after the shocking death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, the Harris-Stowe State University Student Government Association will collaborate with the Young Men's Achievement Academy to host the "Stand Up For Trayvon" memorial and student empowerment rally. The event will take place on Thursday, March 29, at noon in the HSSU quad and amphitheater. In addition to student representatives from other local universities, there will be a special guest appearance by State Representative Tishaura Jones, 63rd District and other HSSU student leaders and supporters. Martin was shot and killed on February 26, by self-appointed neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman, whose recorded 911 called has since revealed what many consider to be hatred toward African-Americans. Zimmerman has claimed self-defense as a result of the confrontation, and has not been charged with any crimes surrounding the murder, although Trayvon carried nothing but a bag of Skittles and a can of tea. The media is invited to attend this historic event, as area students gather to show their support and express their condolences for what is being called an apparent hate crime. Please notify the HSSU Office of Communications and Marketing with any media inquiries in regards to the rally. This event is being coordinated with the help of Harris-Stowe alumnus Leonard Johnson, who can be reached at (618) 567-8878 or by e-mail lcj2004@yahoo.com. Harris-Stowe State University, located in midtown St. Louis, is a four-year institution that offers 14 degree programs in the areas of Accounting, Business Administration, Biology, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Health Care Management, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Information Sciences and Computer Technology, Mathematics, Middle School Education, Professional Interdisciplinary Studies, Secondary Education and Urban Affairs. Ranked by U.S. News as one of America's Best Colleges in the Midwest, the university, which has been in existence for more than 150 years, offers the most affordable bachelor's degree in the state of Missouri. ### Courtney Z. McCall Assistant Vice President Communications, Marketing, Alumni Affairs & Development Harris-Stowe State University Ofc: (314) 340-3391 I mobile: (314) 280-9964 I fax: (314) 340-3575 web: www.hssu.edu <http://www.hssu.edu/> **********************Harris-Stowe State University********************** This e-mail is confidential and sent only to specified recipient(s). However, all e-mail is subject to possible interception by third parties. *************Contact postmaster@hssu.edu to report problems**************