Hundreds gathered at the Hawkins Plaza on Akron's west side to rally on behalf of slain Florida teen Trayvon Martin Tuesday evening.

Stephanie Canty, a mother of four sons, said that she had to come out for all parents who have lost a child to gun violence

"I'm just here to represent for mothers and fathers everywhere," she said.

She was dressed in a hoodie, and was holding a sign that read "I am Trayvon Martin."

As protesters gathered around the Henry's Acme at the Hawkins Plaza, many of those who came out were teenagers wearing hooded sweat shirts similar to what 17-year-old Trayvon Martin was wearing at the time of his death.

Akron Trayvon Martin Rally by Akron NewsNow

The NAACP's Akron chapter and other community groups in the area organized the event.

NAACP Akron chapter president Ophelia Averitt said she was pleased with the turnout.

"We are a caring community, and sometimes we don't always gather as often as we should, but when I called, they answered and that's what I'm so proud of."

The February 26th shooting of Martin at the hands of a Florida neighborhood watch leader has led to numerous protests, racial tensions, celebrity input, and a federal investigation.

 Adrienne Parish said Akron had to stand up for what is right.

"So many people have been going through injustices over the years and people should be treated equally," Parish said.

"This kind of thing can happen anywhere."

Florida Police have not arrested 28-year-old George Zimmerman after he shot Martin. Zimmerman says he killed the teen in self-defense.

This woman said that the time was right for those in Akron to show support for Trayvon's family by coming together.

"This could have been my son, my grandson, and this needs to stop," she explained.

Others in Akron have shown their solidarity in other ways.

Janice Davis, who ran for Akron mayor last year was accompanied by a group of young children who staged a peaceful demonstration outside City Hall during Monday's council meeting.

Those in attendance say it is not only important for people to pray for Trayvon's family, but also for the family of George Zimmerman as well.

"He needs comfort too because he knows not what he does," one man said.

"He took matters into his own hands and thought he was doing the right thing when he wasn't at all."