On Saturday about 300 teens got the chance to voice their opinion of the George Zimmerman trial at the first annual 'Teen Summit' at the Beulah Baptist Institutional Church in Tampa.
They discussed everything from clarification on the law to what self-defense means.
Many of the young people at the summit said they came out to the event because what happened to Trayvon Martin could’ve happened to them.
One teen said he wanted to find out more about Zimmerman’s acquittal.
“At first I didn’t get it. I didn’t understand the concept of it. And then once I looked into the case I saw that some things did make it seem not guilty and some things make it look like wow it looks like he’s guilty," said 16-year-old Bryan Walker.
Trayvon Martin family attorney, Natalie Jackson and other legal experts were on hand to answer many of the teens questions.
“It’s hurtful to a lot of black and brown children who are like what do we do. What did he do wrong. And I’m here to tell them he didn’t do anything wrong and you didn’t do anything wrong it is the perception we have to change with people,” Jackson said.
The group of teens and many others are also asking for is revisions to Florida’s Stand Your Ground law. Senator Chris Smith attended the summit and he said he’s already proposed a bill to the Senate.
“I think it’s likely because the changes that I proposed are some of the things that law enforcement are supporting,” said Smith.
Some of the senator’s proposals give law enforcement the ability to arrest someone even if they’re claiming Stand Your Ground.
Zimmerman did not use Stand Your Ground as his defense at trial but it’s been a hot topic since the verdict.