Organizers of '100 Cities' rally in Houston thank participants

Reverend says there's still more work to be done

HOUSTON – As hundreds gathered at Houston's City Hall on Saturday, organizers of the rally thanked participants for staying the course, reminding them it was just over a year ago they also rallied for the arrest of George Zimmerman.

"What we were asking for is a fair trial. Well, after much protesting, we got an arrest, but I stand here today to say that the trial was flawed," said Bishop James Dixon, II of the Community of Faith Church.

The Reverend William Lawson, pastor emeritus of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, was also among speakers to address the crowd, telling them there is more work to be done.

"I'm glad to see that you came to this rally today, but I'm hoping you'll be on call for other pieces of action," said Lawson. "We've got a broken criminal justice system."

Houston attorney Benjamin Hall, also a mayoral candidate, told the crowd he was there Saturday as a father.

"We must understand that there is some ambiguity here in this country," said Hall. "There is some confusion about whether black boys can get justice in a court of law. It is not a time to remain silent on this issue."

U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee began her remarks by asking for a moment of silence. She then addressed the entire country.

"Dear America – We are not racists. We love our children," said Lee. "Dear America – we are not racists. We are in pain."