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.