Jacksonville joining dozens of cities across the nation in protesting the killing of Trayvon Martin by a neighborhood watch volunteer.

"I hate that Trayvon had to be the poster child as far as stereotyping young black men with hoodies," said Cedric Mitchell of Jacksonville.

Mitchell was one of a thousand protestors. He wore a red shirt demanding the arrest of George Zimmerman, and he's confident State Attorney Angela Corey will deliver justice - but not for reasons based on race.

"It's not a black or white thing. It's a right or wrong thing," said Mitchell.

But, Candice Gaines, who traveled to the rally from Brunswick, Georgia, says it's time for the stereotypes that proceeded Trayvon's death to stop.

"To stop the stereotypes. Everybody who wears a hoodie is not evil. Everybody who wears a hoodie is not dangerous," said Gaines. "This has got to stop. We can't change our complexions , but we can change our perceptions of people and that's what needs to be done."

The crowd also waved signs demanding George Zimmerman's arrest, Sanford Police Chief Bill Lee be fired, and "Don't Shoot! I only have Skittles and Iced Tea" like 17-year-old Martin did when he was killed.

Among the thousand who marched in Jacksonville were State Representative Mia Jones and Former State Senator Tony Hill.

"We're here, not because of a shooting. We're here because of a murder that took place that didn't have to happen," said Jones. "Because we know marches have taken place as far away as London, England. Because everybody knows this is not justice what we've seen here in Florida."

They said the Trayvon Martin case means even more to them now that State Attorney Angela Corey is investigating.

"For me, the biggest message is for Angela Corey to know that in Jacksonville, this is a priority for us," Jones also added.

They plan on taking a bus full of Jacksonville protestors to another rally in Sanford on Monday and Saturday.

The family attorney for Trayvon also attended the local rally, sharing gratitude from the teen's parents.