image

Today, 19 year old Rachel Jeantel testified for the prosecution in the murder trial against George Zimmerman.

George Zimmerman, 29, is accused of murdering 17 year old student, Trayvon Martin. Read more here. Rachel Jeantel was the last person to speak to Trayvon Martin just moments before his death on April 11, 2012. Her testimony key to the prosecutions case against George Zimmerman.

While reading tweets on Twitter and posts on Facebook I became very uncomfortable with criticism Rachel Jeantel recieved.

Her critics were not focused on what she said. Instead they focused on how she said it, as if that was relevant to the case. What they forgot was that her grammar or perceived “attitude” wasn’t on trial. George Zimmerman is.

I also believe that people forgot that she is only 19 years old. Remember how we were when we were 19? Now imagine having millions of people watch you testify in a high profile and racially charged court case. It gets even better. Now try being the star witness in a case you did not want to be a part of. Try walking a mile in her shoes. Try being analyzed and criticized for being a witness to a murder. Try being the wrong “kind” of witness. Try being the witness that may swing the views of a jury. Wow. What a heavy burden this young lady had to carry.

I personally found her compelling, intelligent and brutally honest. Many people, specifically among the Black respectability crowd aren’t used to that.

To them I say, get over it.

I wish her nothing but the best and I hope you do too.

BBG