NYC #Justice4Trayvon rally reaches Times Square, July 15, 2013. Photo posted by Macey J. Foronda on Twitter

Thousands joined peaceful protests held in many U.S. cities after the acquittal in Florida on July 15, 2013 of George Zimmerman in the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin. Protesters condemned the “Stand Your Ground” laws, legislation in effect in more than 20 states that allow the use of force as self-defense when a person feels reasonably threatened, as racist. Global Voices social media editor Asteris Masouras curated updates and photos of the protests on Storify. On the day following the protests, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder slammed “Stand Your Ground” laws as dangerous to public safety, in line with research asserting that they result in an increase of homicides.