Race Issues Reverberate In Zimmerman Trial

08:48

July 10, 2013

George Zimmerman listens as his defense counsel Mark O'Mara questions potential jurors during Zimmerman's trial in Seminole circuit court in Sanford, Fla., Thursday, June 20, 2013. (Gary Green/Orlando Sentinel via AP)

The defense is preparing to rest its case in the second-degree murder trial of George Zimmerman. At issue is whether Zimmerman shot Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teenager, in self defense.

Initially, many commentators thought the shooting was racially motivated, and the trial has had racial overtones, as in the witness questioning of Martin’s friend, Rachel Jeantel.

Author Rich Benjamin says the case is being watched closely by both whites and African Americans, and will have a big impact on our racial future.

Guests:

Rich Benjamin, senior fellow at Demos and author of “Searching for Whitopia.” He tweets @richbenjaminusa.
Shawn Wood, barber and owner of Shawn’s Hair Care in Sanford, Florida.

This segment aired on July 10, 2013.