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How are youth affected by Zimmerman verdict?

Posted at 6:39 PM, Jul 15, 2013
and last updated 2013-07-15 18:39:00-04

The George Zimmerman trial has brought on intense debates about race and where race relations stand in the United States. This trial has been all over social networking sites and the media.

Dr. Micah McCreary, a psychology professor at VCU,visited CBS 6 to talk about some of the fears and concerns that even young children may be having.

CBS 6 asked Dr. McCreary what kind of a psychological effect can a "not guilty" verdict have on young black teens?

We also spoke about violence in general.

In Richmond, a teen was recently killed walking to the store for candy and a drink. His name was Jett Higham, and he was murdered in what police call a botched robbery. A 20-year-old, an 18-year-old and a 16-year-old were arrested in connection; all were young black teens. 

Even Jesse Jackson has said, "there's nothing more painful to me....than to walk down the street and hear footsteps and start thinking about robbery, then look around and see somebody white and feel relieved."

Click on the video for the complete interview and discussion.