CNN's Big Night of Interviews

Anderson Cooper interviews a silhouetted Juror B-37           CNN AC 360

Monday July 15, 2013, CNN had a very big night with key figures from the Zimmerman Murder Trial. Anderson Cooper was granted the first interview with a member of the Zimmerman jury.  A silhouetted Juror B-37, who seemed overly sympathetic to Zimmerman, responded to questions and relayed her unique perspective on the trial and the verdict that was reached.

While in another studio, witness for the prosecution Rachel Jeantel, the last person to speak with Trayvon, provided feedback in discussions with Piers Morgan. Miss Jentel was no longer the reluctant witness the nation saw during the trial.  Fully aware of how she was judged during the trial, Miss Jeantel appeared stronger.  

They're old school. We're in a new school.
Our generation. My generation.  CNN

Responding to comments from Juror B-37, Miss Jeantel was angry, hurt and disappointed to learn the juror had placed very little value in her testimony.  But Miss Jeantel wasn’t alone in how she felt.  

Juror B-37 stated she did not understand much of what Rachel Jeantel said. Regardless of how well or how poorly she may have communicated, Jeantel was the closest thing to a witness at the onset of the confrontation between Trayvon and Zimmerman. Her testimony should have been a focus for the jury. 

  
Acknowledging a generational gap as well as a racial divide, Rachel responded with, "They (the jurors) are old school people. We (are) in a new school, our generation, my generation. People my age don’t have a problem understanding me.”

Radio personality offers scholarship.
TJMS

I was proud of the manner in which Miss Jeantel represented herself in her interview with Piers Morgan. Tom Joyner, a syndicated radio personality, obviously felt the same.  He extended an offer to Miss Jeantel for a scholarship through the Tom Joyner Foundation to a HBCU (Historically Black College/University) of her choice.

On Tuesday July 16, 2013, amidst discussions concerning the national outrage in the verdict, breaking news in the form of a statement was received from four other jurors.  The statement released adamantly declared the comments made by Juror B-37 were not representative of the rest of the jury.

I don't know.  I mean, it could be me. But I get the distinct feeling Juror B-37, who originally approached Anderson Cooper in an effort to get a “book deal,” was “the bully” on the jury. You know, that dominant personality in groups or organizations that always strives to force their will.  Now, there's nothing wrong with this.  In fact, it is what is expected in a deliberation room to arrive at a verdict.

Finally, it was revealed Juror B-37, undoubtedly succumbing to the pressures of public opinion and possible backlash from her fellow jurors, is having a change of heart. She has issued a statement indicating she will not be giving any more interviews.  To the family of Trayvon Martin, she expressed sympathy and anguish.  She offered prayers to those who have the power to revamp the laws that so confused and left them (the jury) with one choice within the law.  Not guilty.

I'm not hatin, I'm jus sayin...