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Source: The Fayetteville Observer, N.自存倉C.Aug. 20--Like many Americans, Debbie McNeill closely followed the trial of George Zimmerman this summer.In July, Zimmerman was found not guilty in the Florida shooting death of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin -- a contentious verdict that prompted rallies and protests around the country and in Fayetteville.McNeill, who is African-American, said her 7-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter watched some of the television coverage with her."I could see it taking a toll on me and my kids," McNeill said. "I really stopped them from watching a lot of it." McNeill said she was concerned about how her children would perceive the racial elements of the trial.The Zimmerman trial was the highest profile story in a summer that seemed filled with racially charged incidents:--In June, it was reported that celebrity chef Paula Deen said in a deposition that she had used a racial slur in the past to refer to African-Americans. In the uproar that followed, the Food Network announced it would not renew her contract, and several companies dropped her as a spokeswoman.--On the CBS reality show "Big Brother," cameras were rolling while several contestants made comments that were deemed racist.--In the Hope Mills Fourth of July parade, some spectators were offended by a float that carried a truck bed full of watermelons and signs that read "White History Month" and "hug wht ppl."While some say the incidents may be upsetting in the short run, they add that they bring the issue of race to the forefront where it can be discussed.And that, they say, can be a positive thing."Yes, it's good that we're talking about it," said Jerry Woods, a Fayetteville State University professor who teaches courses on sociology and race. "One can never solve a problem unless it is brought out in the open and discussed freely."Woods said the issue of race has been present in America nearly since the country's founding. He said while discussions of the problem can be difficult, those conversations need to take place."I don't think you can solve any problem by running from it," Woods said. "You have to face it head on. That's the only way to get things out in the open and understand where the other person is in their viewpoint."Ronald McElrath is director of Fayetteville's Human Relations Department. He said understanding between races must begin with the belief that every person is valuable in the eyes of God.McElrath likened the relationship between people of different races to a marriage: "There's going to be misunderstandings, there's going to be issues of trust," he said.McElrath said if people of different races are unable to fully understand each other, they should at least accept their differences and迷你倉新蒲崗try to move forward."Most people say you have to earn respect, but I believe every person deserves respect until their actions diminish that respect, which then may be returned when behaviors are corrected and/or repentance (or) forgiveness occurs," McElrath said in an email. "Too many young black men are vilified and stereotyped because of their dress, music (or) associations.McElrath said there are gangs and criminals of all races, and that society must reach out to all of them. He said law enforcement cannot do it alone and that communities must work together to intervene constructively.Tracey Miles, along with her sister, Debbie McNeill, was an organizer of a peace rally held in July at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park in Fayetteville. The rally was held in response to the verdict in the Zimmerman case.Miles said while she doesn't think race relations are as bad as they were in the 1950s and '60s, they remain an issue."If we don't address it, it's going to continue on," said Miles, who is African-American. "I think in the year 2013, we still have to march. That was done in the '50s, '60s and '70s. We shouldn't still have to be doing that, but (racism) still exists."Miles has three children, ranging in age from 16 to 20. She has talked about racial issues with them, particularly in light of the verdict in the Zimmerman case."I let them know that some people are going to look at you because of the color of your skin, but don't let that deter you from where you're going in life," Miles said.Trashawn Haywood is Miles' 16-year-old son. He said he watched nearly all of the Zimmerman trial. Trashawn, a junior at Westover High School, said while he was disappointed in the verdict, he was not really surprised."I thought he'd be guilty, but they didn't have enough evidence or something," Trashawn said. "I wish it would have come out different."Trashawn said several of his friends watched the trial, as well. He said they tweeted about the verdict, and the general feeling was one of disbelief.While tensions between races remain, Trashawn said he believes things are generally getting better.McElrath said he feels that the controversy over incidents such as the Trayvon Martin shooting -- while painful in the moment -- offer a chance to address longstanding problems."We feel like Fayetteville is on the cusp of a lot of things," he said. "The challenges are great but the opportunities are even greater. We just have to blend them together."Staff writer Rodger Mullen can be reached at mullenr@fayobserver.com or 486-3561.Copyright: ___ (c)2013 The Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, N.C.) Visit The Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, N.C.) at .fayobserver.com Distributed by MCT Information Services迷你倉出租