Business

Trayvon Incorporated: Slain Florida Teen Turned Into a Brand

Trayvon Incorporated: Slain Fla. Teen Turned Into a BrandMIAMI (AP/The Blaze) — From the T-shirt and hoodie sales to trademarking slogans like “Justice for Trayvon” to the pass-the-hat rallies that bring in thousands, the case of an unarmed black teenager killed by a neighborhood watch volunteer is quickly turning into an Internet-fueled brand.

Websites are hawking key chains bearing Trayvon Martin’s likeness. His parents have bought two trademarks, saying they hope to raise money to help other families struck by tragedy. Trayvon clothes, bumper stickers, buttons and posters are up for grabs on eBay.

Vendors selling Martin T-shirts and hoodies have become fixtures at rallies in Sanford, the central Florida town where Martin was shot last month. At one Sanford rally this week, a man had a variety of T-shirts laid out on the ground as marchers went by, yelling out, “I’ve got every size!”

Trayvon Incorporated: Slain Fla. Teen Turned Into a BrandThe Martin shooting by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmernan, who says he shot the 17-year-old Miami teen in self-defense, has inflamed racial tensions across the country, brought out thousands for rallies, prompted a civil rights probe and a personal reference to the case by President Barack Obama.

A phenomenon on that scale is bound to be commercialized, said Donna Hoffman, a marketing professor at the University of California-Riverside.

Trayvon Incorporated: Slain Fla. Teen Turned Into a Brand

A sampling of Trayvon Martin products available at Cafe Press

“People can start to wear their feelings and emotions. It makes sense, even if there’s a profit motive,” Hoffman said. “There’s a legitimate interest in sharing the pain, and these products do that.”

Van Johnson, who designs T-shirts and other apparel in Charlotte, N.C., said he initially wanted to come up with something for his 12-year-old son to show solidarity with Martin’s supporters. He produced a color drawing based on a photograph of Martin wearing a hoodie, which the teenager was wearing on the night he was killed.

“I really don’t expect to make more than $200 at the most,” Johnson said. “I’m happy some people bought my products, that way a few people will have a very nice design on their shirt or hoodie to show their support.”Trayvon Incorporated: Slain Fla. Teen Turned Into a Brand

Karrie Muhammad, who runs Young Nation Apparel in St. Louis, is selling a separate hoodie for $35 with the words “Please Don’t Shoot Me I Only Have Skittles And A Drink!!!” Martin was returning from a convenience store with the candy and iced tea when he was confronted by Zimmerman.

“We really just kind of put the shirt out there this week. It’s not necessarily profit at all,” Muhammad said. “I wanted to bring some awareness to the issue. I felt it would be a good way to expose the store, to get our name out there.”

Trayvon Incorporated: Slain Fla. Teen Turned Into a BrandZimmerman, 28, who has a white father and Hispanic mother, has not been charged. Martin’s parents have demanded he be arrested. The U.S. Justice Department has launched a probe to look for possible civil rights violations; a special state prosecutor is also investigating. Jackelyn Bernard, spokeswoman for special prosecutor Angela Corey, said Wednesday the investigation could take weeks and said it’s unclear if a grand jury will be empaneled.

Hoffman said it’s difficult to gauge how the Trayvon sales might stack up against those from similar cases, such as the 1992 Los Angeles riots following the Rodney King beating, because those were before the explosion of Internet marketing.

“Anyone can do it with any image,” she said.

Martin’s mother, Sybrina Fulton, headed off potential profit-seekers by filing trademark applications last week for the words “Justice For Trayvon” and “I Am Trayvon.” The applications say the slogans may be used in digital media formats including CDs and DVDs. A family attorney said Wednesday the purpose is mainly to prevent others from exploiting Martin’s image.

“It wasn‘t to make money off Trayvon’s name, it was to stop the exploitation of Trayvon’s name,” said the attorney, Natalie Jackson. “We wanted this family to own their child’s legacy.”

Trayvon Incorporated: Slain Fla. Teen Turned Into a BrandA sign company called FamilyGraphix decided this week to pull its Martin-related decals after learning of Fulton’s move. One such decal, which was to sell for $8, said “Don’t Shoot Me, All I Have Is A Bag of Skittles.”

Johnson, the T-shirt designer, questioned Fulton’s move.

“You would think the parents of Trayvon Martin would encourage the spreading of their son’s name and image,” he said. “As a parent of four, I personally would welcome any and all exposure. I would want my son’s name everywhere.”Trayvon Incorporated: Slain Fla. Teen Turned Into a Brand

At rallies and church services, thousands of dollars in pledges have been made to help Fulton and Tracy Martin, Martin’s father, pay expenses including travel to events in Washington and New York, Jackson said. At one early rally, the Rev. Al Sharpton asked people to make out checks to Fulton and put them in buckets that were passed around.

“Let‘s show the world we’re going to finance our own movement,” said Sharpton, who pledged $2,500 himself.

Trayvon Incorporated: Slain Fla. Teen Turned Into a BrandThe case has had other benefits for involved organizations. More than 30,000 people signed an NAACP petition to Florida prosecutors in just a 24-hour period. Eric Wingerter, spokesman for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored people, says the organization hasn’t used the case as a fundraising tool but has seen an uptick in memberships.

At some point, Hoffman said, the Trayvon Martin brand could wear thin if it’s overused.

“People might feel, ‘I’m sick of hearing about this.’ That feeling could be accelerated if everywhere you turn, there are people wearing their hearts on their sleeve,” Hoffman said. “All this merchandise out there will start to have a taint in the mind of the public.”

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

(Front page photo source: Curtis Compton, ccompton@ajc.com)

Comments (39)

1 2
  • disgustedAmerican
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 5:51pm

    Like Randall from Clerks II, I’m gonna trademark porch monkey and take my “fair share” of money from idiocy.

    Now in current news, more innocent people are being killed as we type, yet they will not see any of this honor because they lack sufficient pigment in their skin

    Report Post » disgustedAmerican  
  • unworthy
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 4:19pm

    I am NOT trayvon!

    Report Post »  
  • Judy004
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 4:16pm

    I was really saddened to hear another young man was killed .murder is a distinction only the law can make.i also felt bad for the mother and father until they decided to trademark his death .i am a mother I could never do such a thing no matter the color of the perp .also our president needs to mind his own Bees wax and stop using every heartache as a way to get votes I really hope he loses but aim not sure Rommney is any better I just don’t want to become a socialist. Nation .GOD BLESS AMERICA and I mean it!

    Report Post »  
  • Gryphon Moor
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 3:53pm

    Front of T-Shirt:
    Please don’t shoot me!

    Back of T-Shirt:
    …I only broke his nose,
    …before I beat his head on the ground

    Report Post » Gryphon Moor  
  • CS_GUY
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 3:29pm

    Classless ********!

    Make a profit off your sons death…………..vile,disgusting,parasitic,downright inhuman.

    Their reward will come swift………………

    Report Post »  
  • kspatriot
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 3:07pm

    BTW, why is No ONE reporting that Zimmerman is a REGISTERED DEMOCRAT!

    The left has been holding their “kangaroo court” in the media, BUT it turns out the shooter is a registered Democrat, yet most ALL news outlets are IGNORING IT.

    http://freebeacon.com/registered-dem-killed-trayvon/

    Report Post » kspatriot  
  • I SPY
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 2:51pm

    Trayvon = front porch, hoodie, fried chicken, 40 oz malt liquor… Hero?.. Hardly.

    Report Post » I SPY  
  • alwayshappy
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 2:13pm

    This is as phoney as it comes! Shame on those who are advocating the raciasl issue. Please, let’s wait and see what happens in court! I find the ‘racial’ response otally unacceptable!!!! As the saying goes: ‘Innocent until proven guilty.!

    Report Post »  
  • kettererbg
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:53pm

    I wonder if the government will declare another holiday?

    Report Post » kettererbg  
  • Galts_Gulch
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:19am

    Any reports on the sales of hoodie manufacturers?

    Report Post » Galts_Gulch  
  • Galts_Gulch
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 11:16am

    Any reports on requests/demands of hoodie manufacturers?

    Report Post » Galts_Gulch  
  • paleoman
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:37am

    Trayvon Hollowpoints. When your down & on your back, give them a Trayvon Hollowpoint, That will get them off you every time. patent pending

    Report Post »  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:26am

    After Zimmerman’s acquittal he should sue the parents for putting him through such mental stress,pain and suffering their thug son administered on Zimmerman.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
  • cranberry
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:23am

    Wow. turning a murder into a moneymaker. What can possibly top this. crazy

    Report Post » cranberry  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:56am

    The mentality displayed by the parents is typical of ghetto people,get what you can get at any cost they are disgusting people.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 9:04am

      Poor, poor, poor me. Poor pitiful me. I’m a victim. I’ve been victimized. And none of it is my fault. It‘s all some body else’s fault. It‘s ’whitey‘s’ fault, that’s whose fault it is! Poor, poor me. Can‘t we make ’whitey’ pay for this? Poor, poor me.

      I can hardly take time out of crying to blame whitey, that‘s how ’bad’ it is. Poor, poor me. D a m n that ‘whitey.’

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
  • cassandra
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:42am

    these parents want to make money off the death of their son ???? I lost all respect for them now

    Report Post »  
    • 79USMC83
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 8:12am

      tres·pass
         [tres-puhs, -pas] Show IPA

      noun
      1.
      Law .
      a.
      an unlawful act causing injury to the person, property, or rights of another, committed with force or violence, actual or implied.

      b.
      a wrongful entry upon the lands of another.

      c.
      the action to recover damages for such an injury.

      2.
      an encroachment or intrusion.

      3.
      an offense, sin, or wrong.

      There are many types of gated communities and they have ONE purpose. To keep trespassers OUT !! Why do many need “ VOLUNTEER ” COMMUNITY WATCH Organizations? Because of TRESPASSERS and THEIVES !! You would think the “Speech Giver” and the FAR-LEFT would be applauding Zimmerman !!!

      This has turned into one big “Dog and Pony” show to see whom can say the most OUTLANDISH thing. !! These Congressmen and WOMEN are a disgrace to the WE THE PEOPLE that they represent in THEIR districts. That is what there job is !! They feel that they represent the NATION. The truth is they are hired to represent the WE THE PEOPLE in THEIR DISTRICTS. Shut the hell up and mind your own business. I wonder how many murders take place in Shelia Jackson, Waters, Clever, Rush and all the other BLOWHARDS Districts !!!
      I lived near Jacksons district for years and it is OFF LIMITS to WHITES !!! The police know if you are white and hanging out there, you are probably looking for drugs. !!
      Nothing will change in this country until WE THE PEOPLE demand TERM LIMITS NOW !!! and get these RABBLE roser, HIDDEN A

      Report Post »  
  • LameLiberals
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:30am

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2120841/Trayvon-Martin-case-Mother-trademarks-sons-name.html?ITO=1490

    Trayvon‘s mother trademarks her son’s name as merchandise hits stands throughout Florida
    Sabrina Fulton filed a patent application to trademark ‘I Am Trayvon’ and ‘Justice For Trayvon’
    Former NAACP leader calls Reverends Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson ‘buzzards circling the carcass of a young boy’

    Family wants a cut of the tea and Skiddle profits also
    http://www.theblaze.com/stories/should-skittles-and-arizona-tea-be-forced-to-surrender-trayvon-martin-profits/#comment-3126889

    Report Post »  
  • dissentnow
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:03am

    Just another day in the black community.

    Report Post »  
  • getourcountryback
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 6:35am

    No wonder there is such a disparity between the races. I can’t imagine a anyone I know doing such a thing when losing a family member. Of course, I don’t live in the “hoodie”.

    Report Post »  
  • jvlag3
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 6:10am

    I felt sorry for the parents…right up this point.

    Report Post »  
  • OhFlynn
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 5:13am

    Hustlers will be….Hustlers !!

    Report Post » OhFlynn  
  • RightUnite
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 5:01am

    Oh gosh no… We’re not in it for the money…… I hope this blows the hell up in all these tools faces!

    Report Post »  
  • v15
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 4:33am

    this is more ridiculous than Rodney King and OJ Simpson combined. How has our culture devolved to this??

    Report Post » v15  
    • kettererbg
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 12:51pm

      There appears to be a division of cultures. Seriously, this “cash for corpse” culture is anything but cultured.

      Report Post » kettererbg  
  • Diva86
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 3:03am

    Absolutely disgusting; it will come to an embarrassing end for these people. Panties and underwear, (why undergarments–it‘s not as if one is going to go around showing this ’merchandise) pet bowls, iPad cases????? Really?????????? Talk about pimping out death………….

    Report Post » Diva86  
  • yooyanks
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 2:56am

    You see this? This is the fault of 60 years of government policy. Nobody is the victim except the black man. Any other race just doesn’t count.

    Report Post »  
1 2

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love