The death of Trayvon Martin and the George Zimmerman case reinstituted the discussion of race and identity in the United States and continues to highlight how some things still have not changed, according to Eric Pearman, ‘02 alumnus of the DU/ Iliff joint Ph.D Program.

“We live in a country that continues to judge people based on the color of their skin,” said Pearman.

Pearman, who recently published a book, “The Lion and the Lamb: The Trayvon Martin Tragedy,” lectured to a crowd of around 40 people in the Anderson Academic Commons Loft at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. The event was co-sponsored by the Department of Religious Studies, the Center for Multicultural Excellence, the DU Living and Learning Communities and the Gender and Women’s Studies Program.

His lecture, “Predatory Lions and Sacrificial Lambs: Where Do We Go From Here?” highlighted how the George Zimmerman case underlined the racial segregation and racial stereotypes that continue to exist within the United States.

The crowd listened as Pearman discussed the issues regarding race and religion in society today and they clapped in agreement with his statements.

Pearman’s book looks at the historical and sociological origins of the case and of Martin’s life. Pearman, who wrote his book based on the metaphorical relationship between a lion, George Zimmerman, looking for his prey, the lamb Trayvon Martin, talked about the moment he first found out about Trayvon Martin’s death.

“I was tired of hearing these kinds of stories after ‘funeralizing’ so many of our young African American men and being killed over senseless things,” said Pearman who did not realize the extent that the case would have on American society.

He later started to realize that the case was getting abundant attention and it caused society to take part in the discussion of race and identity.

“I could not believe the kind of outpouring that was happening in the midst of all this [Martin’s case],” said Pearman.

Pearman’s book, which tries to piece together the persona of the African American male, serves as a tribute to Martin and his family.

“We have to get to know each other and look at people and judge people, if you are going to judge people, by how they act and how they treat people,” said Pearman, who pointed out that it is necessary to deal with the issues of racism head on in order to find a solution.
As an African American himself, Pearman reminded the audience of how living in the housing projects of Chicago influenced his upbringing. He mentioned how grateful he is to be where he is today.

“You can’t use racism as a crutch for why you don’t achieve. Do not allow your race to determine your future,” said Pearman, as he addressed an audience filled with students, professors and other spectators. The audience clapped and cheered in support of the lecture.
Pearman is currently an assistant professor of religion at Allen University in Columbia, S.C. He spoke highly of his education at DU and the relationships he built with faculty members in Iliff like Vincent Harding, a prominent figure in social activism and a friend of Dr. Martin Luther King, as well as Korbel Professor Arthur Gilbert who sat in the crowd.

Throughout the entirety of his hour and a half lecture, Pearman spoke both sternly and humorously about his past, about his religion, race and about his book. Pearman also addressed the future of racism in the U.S.

Pearman pointed out that being a professor to students has helped restore his faith that this generation of young people has the ability to change the stereotypes.

“This generation advances the cause of racial tranquility, I believe that,” said Pearman.